Indonesia Urges ASEAN to Take Concrete Steps in Advancing Human Rights
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the need for concrete action to advance human rights in Southeast Asia, stressing that political commitment alone is insufficient.
“Our task now is to translate that commitment into tangible action,” Sugiono stated during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday.
A press statement released by Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry highlighted that human rights progress must extend beyond political declarations. Indonesia urged AICHR to become more responsive to urgent human rights issues and to ensure its programs directly impact the lives of people in the region, particularly vulnerable groups.
The meeting also underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, especially in tackling shared challenges like human trafficking and environmental degradation.
Looking beyond ASEAN, Indonesia encouraged AICHR to actively engage with external partners and to strongly oppose double standards in global human rights discussions.
Read Also: BNPB Launches Weather Modification Flights to Address Jakarta’s Flood Risk
“AICHR must have the courage to reject human rights double standards, particularly in the case of Palestine,” Minister Sugiono added.
He welcomed the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue and the launch of the ASEAN Guidelines on the Implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle for the Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Persons, describing both as significant steps in reinforcing justice and human rights protection across the region.
Sugiono also called for strengthening AICHR’s institutional framework and deepening regional cooperation to ensure that human rights values evolve alongside development.
“Human rights are not merely normative—they are the foundation for a peaceful, just, and inclusive region,” he concluded.
Indonesia’s Representative to AICHR, Anita A. Wahid, highlighted that Indonesia’s active participation reflects its strong commitment to embedding human rights principles within ASEAN.
AICHR is currently drafting two new declarations: one on the right to a healthy environment and another on the right to development and peace.
During the meeting, AICHR’s 2025 Annual Report was officially submitted for review at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58). The report covers the implementation of 16 programs between July 2024 and June 2025, with Indonesia noted as the most active member, contributing to six initiatives focusing on civil and political rights, development, and environmental issues. (BL)