Indonesia calls for strengthening human rights on 20th anniversary of UN Human Rights Council

Indonesia has called for strengthening universal respect for human rights and increasing trust in the international human rights system during the 20th anniversary commemoration of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on 19 June. The statement was delivered by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN in Geneva, Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, in a written release from the Permanent Mission of Indonesia in Geneva. As President of the UN Human Rights Council, Indonesia, represented by Ambassador Sidharto, emphasised that the future and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council rest on trust built through consultation, dialogue, and genuine partnership. A similar view was expressed by Luis Alfonso de Alba, the first president of the UN Human Rights Council. He recalled the challenges of building consensus at the council’s inception, when member states held diverse views and conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon at the time coloured the dynamics of discussions. According to him, two decades later, those geopolitical challenges remain relevant and have even become more impactful. The UN Secretary-General assessed that human rights now face increasingly systematic threats. A similar view was conveyed by UN Special Rapporteur Rasheeda Nasheed, particularly regarding the pressure faced by the UN special rapporteur system and civil society in voicing their concerns. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk highlighted several achievements of the Human Rights Council, including the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, the development of international human rights standards, and the council’s role as an inclusive UN forum. However, according to Türk, renewal remains necessary so that the Human Rights Council is more responsive to emerging issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and the post-2030 development agenda. The discussion also underscored the importance of ensuring that the outcomes and recommendations of the Human Rights Council do not stop in Geneva, but can reach communities at the local level through the role of UN Special Rapporteurs, national human rights institutions, and regional organisations. Youth representative from Jordan, Malak, asserted that the participation of the younger generation must not be merely symbolic, but must be genuinely heard in the decision-making process. For Indonesia, the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council holds special significance. Since the council was established in 2006, Indonesia has been elected as a member six times, served as vice president twice in 2009 and 2024, and for the first time holds the presidency of the Human Rights Council. According to the Permanent Mission of Indonesia in Geneva, this track record reflects Indonesia’s commitment to the advancement of human rights.