Massive infrastructure development is causal to the increase in agrarian conflicts implicating violation of political, economic, social, and cultural rights of the locals affected by the developmentJakarta (ANTARA) - Infrastructure development in the country remains shrouded in agrarian conflicts, according to commissioner for assessment and research department of the National Commission on Human Rights Sandrayati Moniaga.
"Massive infrastructure development is causal to the increase in agrarian conflicts implicating violation of political, economic, social, and cultural rights of the locals affected by the development," Moniaga stated here on Sunday.
Moniaga reported that her office had received maximum reports of violations of welfare rights in 2020, with 1,025 cases reported, mostly involving agrarian conflicts.
Residents, affected by developments of the Makassar New Port in South Sulawesi, Mandalika Circuit in West Nusa Tenggara, and Toba Lake tourism area in North Sumatra, reported several agrarian conflicts, according to Moniaga.
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She expressed regret over the ensuing agrarian conflict despite President Joko Widodo's assurance in his remarks made to commemorate International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2020, to respect human rights during infrastructure development as one of his government's hallmarks.
The Commissioner reminded the Indonesian government to respect local rights, particularly of those affected by infrastructure development, as Indonesia is the signatory of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants (UNDROP).
The declaration recognizes the right to nature and protection to local farmers and peasants, who depend on natural resources, such as soil and water, to grow crops as a means of livelihood, she stated.
Moniaga stressed the need for the government to respect, protect, and fulfil the rights of farmers and peasants. The government should adopt relevant laws and regulations to protect those rights, she added.
Apart from agrarian rights, Moniaga underscored the urgency to protect and ensure other rights as the scope of human rights is universal to all aspects of human life.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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