After a meeting with President Widodo at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Monday, Komnas HAM Chairman Ahmad Taufan Damanik stated that his side had suggested that the president not only deliver a speech on International Human Rights Day this year but that it should also be part of the state institution’s ceremony every year.
As a result, it will become a form of respect for human rights.
"Whoever will lead this country, every December 10, it will become our country's commitment to respect human rights. Hence, it is expected to become a state ceremony speech," he affirmed.
Damanik pointed out that the Indonesian people had raised the human rights agenda as an important issue even before the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) had launched the Human Rights Declaration in 1948.
"Our country is a lucky nation because before the Human Rights Declaration in 1948 was triggered, actually long before it, our nation's founders had raised the issue of human rights as in the Constitution, we discussed it earlier," he stated.
Damanik is optimistic that the commemoration of International Human Rights Day would be part of affirming the commitment of the nation and state in any development policies based on the human rights principles.
"That is what we call Indonesian civilization in future, and it should be based on human rights values. If we build, please pay attention to the interests of other communities that cannot be compromised on. If we enforce the law, the corridors of law and human rights must also be obeyed," he emphasized.
In addition to discussing the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, Komnas HAM submitted an investigation report on the incidence of violence in Intan Jaya, Papua, in September 2020.
Attendees at the meeting also comprised Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD; Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly; and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. Related news: Komnas HAM, President Widodo discuss trend of intolerance
Related news: 2019 was bleak year for human rights enforcement: Komnas HAM
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Indra A, Azis K
Editor: Suharto
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