Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said that he discussed the initiative during his meeting with Thailand’s Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong in Bangkok on Monday.
“As the first ASEAN country with a ministry dedicated to human rights, we embark on the initiative to encourage other (ASEAN) ministers responsible for human rights to join on a new platform,” he said in a written statement received here.
According to Pigai, all ASEAN countries face similar human rights issues in interactions with the business world, national development, as well as achieving social, cultural, and justice.
With the belief that ASEAN should continue its role in preserving stability and civilization, the minister has envisioned the new organization as a strategic platform to advance human rights at the regional and global levels.
“With this platform, we can unite our perceptions, devise our common vision, and unite our steps in developing human rights with Indonesia as its leader,” he added.
Pigai said that he will tour other ASEAN countries to discuss the initiative. He also proposed a joint meeting between the human rights ministers of ASEAN countries next year in Jakarta.
“We expect this initiative to reach all ministers responsible for human rights in ASEAN countries this year, so that we can organize a meeting in Jakarta next year,” he added.
Promoting human rights at the regional level is also consistent with Indonesia’s Constitutional mandate and President Prabowo Subianto’s foreign policy, the minister continued.
Meanwhile, Thai Minister Sodsong welcomed Indonesia’s initiative, saying it will positively impact human rights development in the ASEAN region.
“It is a good initiative and positive cooperation to develop human rights in ASEAN. We welcome and support it,” he said, while affirming the commitment of his ministry’s human rights department to follow up on the initiative.
The Thai minister also commended Indonesia’s step to establish a stand-alone Human Rights Ministry.
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Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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