National Commission on Human Rights Empowers UNP Students on the Urgency of Human Rights Values

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) of the Republic of Indonesia has provided training to hundreds of students from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), West Sumatra, regarding the importance of human rights values ahead of their community service programme (KKN).

“This briefing is an opportunity for KKN students as they can meet directly with the community and utilise this time to explore various issues related to human rights,” said the Chairperson of Komkan HAM RI, Anis Hidayah, in Padang on Wednesday.

She stated that findings by students regarding alleged human rights violations in the field can be reported to both their university and Komnas HAM, including the Komnas HAM representative in West Sumatra. “If students find indications of human rights violations within the community, this can be conveyed to the campus or to Komnas HAM, including the West Sumatra representative,” she added.

She noted that Indonesia has ratified various fundamental international human rights instruments as a form of commitment to the respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights. These instruments include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

“This means that Indonesia is committed to ensuring that human rights become one of the fundamental principles in national and state life, in accordance with international human rights principles,” she said. According to Hidayah, student contributions are needed across various sectors, such as health, education, social welfare, and other community needs, during the execution of their community service programme.