Habibie launches human rights campaign

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie officially launched the country's five-year National Action Plan on Human Rights yesterday as a part of the new government's ambitious plan to rehabilitate the country's poor record on human rights protection.

The President set the ratification of human rights conventions, the dissemination of information and education on human rights and the implementation of human rights principles based on priority as targets to be met by 2003.

"As a member of the international community under the United Nations, we must respect and abide the internationally recognized principles of human rights," Habibie said during the launching ceremony at the State Palace.

Yesterday coincided with the anniversary of the 1993 Vienna Action Plan Declaration.

The ceremony was also attended by several Cabinet ministers, including Minister of Justice Muladi and Minister of Defense and Security Affairs/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto.

The President emphasized that the success of the program would depend on the massive promotion of legal awareness and the strengthening of human rights as a part of the nation's culture.

"This effort can be achieved through training and education by all relevant, concerned and competent parties, either from government or from the whole society," he said.

Soon after replacing former president Soeharto last month, the new President demonstrated his strong intention to boost human rights protection, much criticized a lacking in Soeharto's 32- year rule.

The President ratified earlier this month the International Labor Organization (ILO) convention on the Freedom of Association and Protections of the Rights to Organize.

The government is also scheduled to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

He has also ordered Muladi to revise the controversial 1963 subversion law and other restrictive decrees.

"It is undeniable that the real meaning of a plan of action lies in its implementation. On this occasion, I would like to call on all parties to join hands in implementing this action plan," he said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas described the ceremony as a historic milestone.

"Today's ceremony proves the Indonesian government's firm commitment on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of the whole Indonesian people regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, language, religion or political background," Alatas said in his report to the President. (prb)