Human rights diplomacy

Human rights diplomacy

Much has been made of Makarim Wibisono's appointment as chairman
of the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). The honor signifies
recognition of the diplomat's long service to his country and his
contribution to multilateral diplomacy. Given his experience and
tenure in various international organizations, Makarim is,
without doubt, a qualified candidate for the job.

Despite this relative "success" for Indonesian diplomacy, we
should not make too much of his appointment. Makarim remains
effectively a steward of a body that traditionally takes turns
annually chairing the commission based on regional groupings.
Having secured the support of the Asia group, it was no surprise
that Makarim was then elected by acclamation for a one-year
tenure.

Established in 1946, the UNCHR was created to help promote and
protect human rights. It promotes guidelines, studies problems
and helps codify international norms on human rights.

Comprised of 53 members elected to three-year terms, the UNCHR
meets annually for six weeks. Makarim is due to chair this year's
meeting in Geneva beginning mid-March.

While the UNCHR plays an important structural role in the
promotion of human rights, it has largely become a diplomatic
talk-fest in recent years. Because of its bureaucratic nature,
the UNCHR has lost much of its appeal to the more high-profile
activities of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. Since 1994,
it is this office that has become the focal point of the UN's
human rights activities.

It is the Commissioner who is mandated to quickly respond to
violations and prevent rights infractions around the world.

So with all due respect to Makarim, he has a little something
to prove. Otherwise, history will likely judge him simply as an
honorary appointee.

Since news of his appointment came through the senior diplomat
has become a much-coveted speaker in intellectual circles here at
home. His remarks thus far deserve credit, showing a clear vision
on what he would like the UNCHR to be.

He succinctly encapsulated one of the main deficiencies of the
body by noting that the debate in the commission had tended to
become politicized and aimed at shaming particular countries.

While his argument is merited, does Makarim not realize that
human rights is all about politics?

Human rights is the basic core of the socio-political contract
between citizens and its government. It cannot be treated in the
same way that diplomats treat particular articles of treaties and
negotiations -- with compromise and trade-offs.

The same way certain countries insist on highlighting
another's human rights record, those who reject their record to
come under scrutiny do so based on political interests.

To deliberate on style, rather than substance is an obsolete
"New Order" mindset which this country is desperately trying to
shed.

One senior diplomat once described his task during the New
Order as "defending the indefensible". Makarim now has the luxury
of not having to do so.

Others often talk about Makarim's appointment in the context
of Indonesia's national interests. The question is whose national
interest?

For decades, the national interest was defined by a small
clique of leaders who did so to perpetuate their political
stranglehold. It would not be wise to perceive Makarim's
appointment as a way of "overlooking" Indonesia's own outstanding
human rights cases.

When warranted, this country should welcome criticism, even
the harshest kind. It is a reminder to put our house in order,
the same way that Makarim's tenure is a wake-up call for domestic
actors to act responsibly on issues of human rights.

He may be an Indonesian, but Makarim's first duty should now
be towards the defense of universal human rights, not merely the
narrow view of some Asian or Western states. That is the best way
to make the country proud of his tenure as chairman.