Human rights are universal

I am writing in reference to an interview of me which was given the headline Each country has its own human rights view (July 30). Both the headline and the substance of the article may give a wrong impression of what I said during the interview.

I made it very clear that I firmly believe human rights are universal, i.e valid for everyone as a human being. But I also believe that in the implementation of these rights, differences can occur in every country based on history, culture, social and economic development. The interview gave the impression that I undermine the view that every country has its own concept of human rights, which in many cases revolves around the question of whether human rights are universal or not.

I should add that regarding the differences of opinion between "the West" and "the Rest", a certain kind of compromise has been reached which was reflected in the general acceptance of the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action during the UN conference on Human Rights organized in 1993.

Finally, I would like to point out that I will not resign next December as a member of the National Commission on Human Rights, but in December 1998, when my five-year term expires.

MIRIAM BUDIARDJO

Jakarta