"The future of ASEAN will not be any brighter if its member states are not committed to respecting human rights," she remarked, as cited from her office's statement received in Jakarta.
Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers' Interface with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday, Marsudi highlighted the need for ASEAN states to solidify their political will to continue the AICHR Review Process.
The AICHR Review Process refers to a process that aims to review AICHR's terms of reference in a bid to maintain the commission's relevance in current challenges.
"Political will is of the essence to make progress in the review process and enable the advancement of human rights in the region," the minister affirmed.
She then underscored the need to readjust the AICHR's mandates and functions to ensure that the commission remains capable of addressing human rights-related issues in the field.
The Indonesian representative then called on ASEAN member states to contribute to the protection of human rights at the global level.
In this regard, she extended Indonesia's support for the ASEAN to intensify its human rights dialog with partners.
Marsudi also remarked that Indonesia and Laos would co-chair the 6th ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue scheduled to take place in Jakarta in November 2024.
Furthermore, the minister urged the AICHR to pay closer attention to the increased cases of human trafficking in the region while noting that most of the victims are women.
Her counterparts from Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, and Thailand also voiced concerns about the issue.
Marsudi also made the most of her speech to emphasize that the ASEAN should not ignore the fact that Israel has been committing atrocities and violating human rights in the Gaza Strip of Palestine.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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