As the ASEAN chair this year, Indonesia reminded that differences between ASEAN member countries should not become an excuse for abandoning the pressing human rights issues in Southeast Asia.
"Despite differences, ASEAN must utilize dialogue in ensuring continuous progress on the human rights front," Marsudi noted in her opening remarks at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) with representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) here, Tuesday.
According to the minister, the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue is testament to ASEAN's maturity to engage in honest and open dialogue without naming and shaming.
Hence, to this end, Marsudi deemed it crucial for the dialogue to be conducted regularly.
"We are, therefore, aiming for a Leaders' Declaration on the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue," the minister affirmed.
Furthermore, amid crises and rivalries that worsen human rights challenges globally, Marsudi expressed hope that the ASEAN could set an example of its values in prioritizing constructive engagements over finger pointing.
"ASEAN must also unite in rejecting politicization and double standards while proving our ability to tackle issue within our own backyard," she remarked.
Marsudi emphasized that it is essential for AICHR to continue to evolve and improve.
"Its work must go beyond capacity-building activities and result in impactful homegrown initiatives," she stressed.
During the meeting between the foreign ministers and AICHR representatives, the Myanmar issue still dominated the discussion. Apart from that, the meeting also discussed the issues of human trafficking and the impacts of climate change on human rights.
The representatives highlighted concerns over rising incidents of violence and the lack of progress in the implementation of the ASEAN's five-point consensus.
While closing the meeting, Marsudi stated that the AICHR must continue to promote human rights values that are in accordance with the regional context.
The AICHR should also continue to voice the promotion and protection of human rights that are constructive, objective, and proportional in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community that are in line with the 2021-2025 Action Plan.
The minister also said she is keen to reaffirm Indonesia's readiness to cooperate in reaching important efforts for human rights promotion and protection.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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