Indonesia Pledges "Presidency For All" at Historic UN Human Rights Council Session

“This presidency is not for Indonesia alone, it is a Presidency For All,” Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono remarked in the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

As monitored via UN Web TV in Jakarta, he stated that multilateralism is currently under immense pressure and that the UN Human Rights Council is not immune to geopolitical tensions.

Sugiono cautioned the Council against becoming polarized or appearing selective in addressing human rights cases, as such actions could undermine its legitimacy and erode global trust.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that such tensions do not further erode its credibility,” he remarked.

He noted that the Council must remain credible and relevant by demonstrating its ability to adapt without compromising its integrity and core principles.

This, he said, requires strengthening impartiality, objectivity, and transparency.

The minister further reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to bridge differences through dialogue and by listening carefully to all parties.

“The universality of human rights should unite us in purpose, not divide us in approach,” he stressed.

He added that the Council’s future relevance depends on its consistency and objectivity, free from politicization or selectivity.

The 61st session of the Council—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.

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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Raka Adji