Indonesia Assumes UNHRC Presidency, Pushes for Peace in Palestine and Myanmar

In his speech at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, he expressed Indonesia’s deep concern over humanitarian conflicts and crises occurring worldwide, particularly in Palestine. “With regard to the people of Palestine, Indonesia reaffirms its unwavering support for their inalienable rights,” the minister said, as monitored via the UN Web TV live stream in Jakarta. He urged an end to all forms of violence in Palestine and called for immediate, full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. Furthermore, Indonesia supports the achievement of a just and sustainable peace in Palestine based on a two-state solution. Furthermore, Minister Sugiono emphasized Indonesia’s commitment within ASEAN to continue pushing for the effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), which should serve as the foundation for ending the conflict in Myanmar. He conveyed Indonesia’s determination to strengthen the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) as a mechanism for the protection and promotion of human rights in the Southeast Asian region. While expressing concern over conflicts and humanitarian disasters, he noted that such challenges require genuine dialogue and constructive engagement based on objectivity. “Upholding international humanitarian law is our collective obligation,” he remarked. He also emphasized that solutions to end conflicts sustainably cannot be forced, but must be built through trust and mutual respect. The 61st session of the UNHRC—being held from February 23 to March 31, 2026— marks a historic milestone as the first session to be presided over by Indonesia through its Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto R. Suryodipuro. Throughout Indonesia’s presidency, the thematic issues to be addressed include the prevention of female genital mutilation, the promotion of a culture of peace, sustainable development financing, the rights of persons with disabilities, and children’s rights. Related news: Indonesia reaffirms commitment to UN Human Rights diplomacy Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Raka Adji Copyright © ANTARA 2026