Human rights implementation

Human rights implementation

From Republika

Amid the political chaos and economic mess gripping the entire
country, a tragedy befell Muslims in Ambon on June 14, 2001 as
they were subjected to a shooting spree by members of the joint
battalion of the Indonesian Military (TNI). This brutal massacre
claimed over 20 lives, some from the Laskar Jihad, and left four
persons missing and 36 seriously wounded.

Worse still, as widely reported in the mass media, these
soldiers of the joint battalion, who were supposed to take action
against the separatist movement which had declared the
independence of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS), also damaged
public facilities such as a polyclinic, vehicles and a radio
station.

Ironically, this brutality and other similar occurrences show
that when Muslims are repressed, local institutions claiming to
be the champions of human rights as well as international
institutions like the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner of Human Rights, do not even say a word. These
institutions will shout out loud if mishap befalls non-Muslims.

This is just a small piece of evidence of double standards in
human rights. The same thing is also clearly seen in the
investigations into the Tanjung Priok case and similar cases in
Atambua, Doulos and Maluku. It starkly demonstrates that human
rights are implemented according to the wishes of the
powers-that-be, or that the implementation of human rights are
inseparable from political, economic and ideological interests.

It is very obvious that what imperialist countries and their
stooges have been bragging about -- upholding human rights -- is
mere wishful thinking.

ABET ALKATIRI

Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi