ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue was held in Jakarta on November 5 2024, which was attended by representatives of ASEAN member countries.
The dialogue was opened by the Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir and the Indonesian Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto Sipin.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Indonesia’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), Yuyun Wahyuningrum, together with Laos’ Representative to AICHR, Yong Chanthalangsy.
“Together with ASEAN, we have formed a close-knit family to fight for common interests on the global stage,” said Arrmanatha Nasir.
He also called for a stronger commitment to human rights in all ASEAN countries. Furthermore, he also highlighted various challenges for ASEAN in the future, such as increasing global injustice, setbacks in upholding human rights, selective application of international law, as well as violence that occurred in Gaza, Palestine and its surroundings.
On that occasion, he urged ASEAN to continue to stand tall as guardians of peace and human dignity, both within and outside the region.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Human Rights, Mugiyanto Sipin, reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to an inclusive approach and involving various parties in mainstreaming the Human Rights perspective.
Mugiyanto also acknowledged the great contribution of national human rights institutions, civil society organizations and academics in the promotion and protection of human rights in Indonesia.
Mugiyanto also emphasized Indonesia’s commitment under “Asta Cita” to strengthen democracy and human rights as the main pillars of the current government.
“Our vision is to create a region where everyone can live in freedom, where voices are heard, and every individual is empowered to reach their full potential,” he stressed.
The 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue received special attention because it was held after the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue in 2023. The declaration, which was agreed upon during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, marked an important step towards the institutionalization and continuation of the Human Rights Dialogue. in ASEAN.
Indonesia’s representative at AICHR, Wahyuningrum emphasized that future Human Rights Dialogue needs to be maintained because it is a step forward in accountability and transparency in the promotion of Human Rights in the region.
“Holding the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue is very important to create a regional environment that respects human rights more,” he said.
The ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue is an idea initiated by Indonesia since 2013. This dialogue is designed as a forum for ASEAN countries to have open and balanced discussions regarding Human Rights in the region.
Not only involving government representatives, the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue also invited representatives of the ASEAN National Human Rights Commission, academics and civil society organizations in the Southeast Asia region. (AT Network)
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