House passes human rights bill

JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) unanimously endorsed the Human Rights bill on Wednesday which contains recognition, promotion and protection of basic freedom.

Comprising 106 articles, the much awaited bill gives a wider opportunity to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas) to develop a conducive climate for human rights protection.

State Secretary/Minister of Justice Muladi said in his speech that the bill guarantees in particular the rights of women and children.

"A woman has the right to decide her own nationality, even if she marries a foreigner. Women also have the right to pursue their careers," Muladi said.

According to the bill, spouses have equal rights and responsibilities. In case of divorce, both can claim an equal share of their assets.

Muladi said the bill focuses a lot of attention on children's rights because of their role in the future.

The bill says children have protection rights from parents, the community and the state, even from before they were born.

Children have the right to know who their natural parents are, and to be raised by them. Should parents be unable to raise their children, the state allows a guardian to take care of them for the children's benefit. The child also has the right not to be separated from natural parents and to have private contact with them.

The bill allows children education and protection from exploitation or dangerous work.

"Children are very vulnerable to danger in their growth and development so they need protection, which includes having rights," Muladi said.

The bill also allows the commission to work as an independent institution. Among the requirements for members to join the commission are professionalism, dedication and integrity.

Unlike the present commission, which was established through a presidential decree in 1993, members of the new Komnas are to be appointed by the House based on a nomination from the commission.

The commission will have its own secretariat to handle its administrative work. The commission will also have subpoena power.

Muladi said the bill would serve as an umbrella for other laws which are related to human rights protection. (05)