Two Makassar sub-districts selected as Human Rights Awareness pilot models

Makassar (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Human Rights has selected Mattoanging Sub-district in Mariso District and Kaluku Bodoa Sub-district in Tallo District, Makassar, as pilot models for the Human Rights Aware Village/Sub-district programme. Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto stated on Monday that the two sub-districts are expected to become models for implementing human rights values that can be replicated in other areas. “These two sub-districts are expected to become models and inspiration for other sub-districts in ensuring that respect, protection, fulfilment, enforcement, and promotion of human rights are truly present in community life,” he said. Mugiyanto explained that the programme also involves Human Rights Activators who serve as a link between the community and the government in identifying issues related to the fulfilment of citizens’ rights. Issues of concern include access to education, healthcare, employment, the environment, and the fulfilment of rights for vulnerable groups. According to Mugiyanto, the Human Rights Aware Village/Sub-district programme was developed to enhance public understanding of human rights down to the village and sub-district level. He said the fulfilment of human rights is not only related to civil and political rights but also encompasses the right to education, healthcare, employment, housing, a good environment, and protection for vulnerable groups. “We want to bring human rights from something that seems abstract down to the village level. We want to ensure that all people in the village understand and are aware of the human rights they possess,” he said. Mugiyanto added that understanding of human rights also needs to be strengthened among government officials because the government has the responsibility for respecting, protecting, fulfilling, enforcing, and promoting human rights. “Those five points are protecting, respecting, promoting, enforcing, and fulfilling. That is the government’s responsibility,” he said.