Statement by
H.E. Mrs. Adiyatwidi Adiwoso Asmady
Deputy Permanent Representative
of the Republic of Indonesia

Before
The Plenary of the 59th Session of the General Assembly
On Agenda item

105 (b) : Human Rights Questions, including alternative approaches for
improving the effective enjoyment of Human Rights and fundamental
Freedom

United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, 1995-2004

New York, 10 December, 2004

 

Mr. President,

Allow me at the outset to convey my delegation’s sincere appreciation to the Secretary General for the relevant documentation for this important issue.

Mr. President,

The World Conference on Human Rights in 1993 agreed on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which stated that human rights education, training and public information are essential for the promotion and achievement of stable and harmonious relations among communities and for fostering mutual understanding, tolerance and peace. My Delegation agrees wholeheartedly with this notion. It is with this in mind that Indonesia supports the enactment of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, 1995-2004 and the Plan of Action to implement the Decade.

The action by states and others to eradicate illiteracy has provided the framework for the Decade, which emphasizes education as a constant factor in the multidimensional life of individuals and society; human rights being an integral part of that life. Indonesia will therefore continue to promote human rights, since this is mandated by our constitution and represents part of the foundation of our state. This approach is regarded as necessary to attain a form of civilized humanity. Hence, it is deemed a vital part of our nation-building process.

Mr. President,

The Indonesian Government attaches the utmost importance to the role of human rights education. And in line with our reform process, we are of the view that democracy, development and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Human rights education will result in further effective democratic participation in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres of national life, and shall be utilized as a means of promoting economic and social progress and people-centred sustainable development. Indeed, we believe that promotion of human rights can best be attained through dialogue both at the national and international levels, rather than by publishing a “world report” or a long list of human rights practices in other member states and criticizing them for not doing better.

To this end, the President of the Republic of Indonesia on 25 August 2004 in Jakarta formally launched the National Plan of Action on Human Rights for the period of 2004-2009. The main objective of this Plan is to ensure the enhancement of respect, promotion, fulfillment and protection of human rights in Indonesia, taking into account the religious values, customs and cultural values of Indonesian people based on the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Like the first National Plan of Action for the period 1998-2003, the second one has established a timetable for the attainment of concrete goals in education about human rights issues.

Within its capacity and in cooperation with the National Commission on Human Rights, and sometimes in cooperation with other member countries, the Government has been conducting a consistent program to build popular understanding and support for the basic principles of human rights, nationally and internationally. The level of partnership between the Government and other stakeholders in Indonesia has reached a significant stage where national programs of action are being constructively discussed and roles and responsibilities have been mandated, leading to the fill promotion and protection of human rights. Working though more than 38 centers in various universities throughout the country, there has been considerable dissemination of information and education about human rights. It is the sincere hope of the Government that the involvement of younger people in the political, social, and economic life of the society will make them better equipped to help promote and protect human rights.

As prescribed by the Plan Action for the implementation of the Decade, special attention has also been given to training police officers, prison officials, lawyers, judges, teachers and curriculum developers, the armed forces, international civil servants, development officers and peacekeepers, non-governmental organizations, the media, government officials, parliamentarians and other groups that are in a particular position to affect and effect the realization of human rights. In addition, the Government has been conducting similar programs in informal institutions, such as social and religious ones. This action springs from the conviction that many violations of human rights occur because of lack of knowledge or understanding of specific human rights principles.

Mr. President,

The Indonesian Government is committed to human right awareness as a never-ending process. This is reflected in our strong commitment to providing national support and guidance where necessary. We also see the need to continue operating within a global framework in promoting human rights education, especially operating within the context of internationally agreed goals such as universal access to basic education for all by the year 2015.

Thank You.