Mr. President,

I have the honour to address this session of the Economic and Social Council, on agenda item 4 Coordination of the policies and activities of the specialized agencies and other bodies of the United Nations system related to the following theme: Coordinated follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. Allow me to take the opportunity to express appreciation to the Secretary-General for the report he has presented on this item, and for the thoughtful and informative introductory statement delivered earlier by Mrs. Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Mr. President,

I should first like to begin by reaffirming the commitment of the Government of Indonesia to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which represent a positive and effective vehicle for achieving the human rights goals and aspirations of the Member States. We consider it most fitting to address the coordination aspects of this issue in the ECOSOC, especially during this year - - the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights. As we proceed in that direction, it is worthy to recall that the strength of the Universal Declaration arose from the fact that it is a document forged out of considerable deliberation and compromise, incorporating the viewpoints of the States which were then members of this Organization. That spirit of compromise and willingness to consider diverse points of view should continue to guide the deliberations of the international community on this important agenda item.

Mr. President,

The Vienna Conference on Human Rights recommended increased coordination in support of human rights and fundamental freedoms within the United Nations system. It further directed attention to those organs, bodies and specialized agencies whose activities deal with human rights, urging that they cooperate in order to strengthen, rationalize and streamline their activities, taking into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication. And, in its resolution 1996/78, the Commission on Human Rights did recommend consideration of coordination aspects of the Vienna Conference during this session of ECOSOC. My delegation welcomes efforts to strengthen the human rights activities of the United Nations, however, it is our view that at this time the ECOSOC should focus its attention on those United Nations bodies which have been mandated to undertake human rights activities.

In this respect, we have observed the tendency towards a system-wide human rights approach, not merely to those organs, bodies and specialized agencies mandated to address human rights. Rather than working to rationalize and streamline activities, there is a proliferation into all areas of UN activities, such as development. We would therefore like to stress that this trend should in no manner detract from the mandated tasks of the development bodies or divert resources from development activities. I would recall that the Vienna Conference did stipulate that the existence of widespread extreme poverty inhibits full and effective enjoyment of human rights and that its alleviation and eventual elimination must remain a high priority for the international community.

In that regard, my delegation would draw attention to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), which is still in its pilot phase, as we fail to see a rationale for the Council to recommend that it also incorporate human rights priorities. This would only serve to pose additional burden on a nascent development framework, which should focus its time, resources and talents on primary mandated tasks.

I would also note that while the Programme of Action called upon the international community to work towards alleviating the external debt burden of developing countries, we continue to witness a tragic lack of commitment in realizing this aspect of the Vienna Programme of Action. Furthermore, the Programme indicated the need for States and international organizations to create favourable conditions at the national, regional and international levels to ensure the full and effective enjoyment of human rights. For million of men, women and children in developing countries, however, the obstacle of poverty remains unresolved.

In that connection, Mr. President, it is the view of my delegation that this session of the ECOSOC, which is concerned with coordination aspects, should focus its efforts on increasing national capacity building. In particular, the training and dissemination of information on human rights, as well as technical cooperation, should be given priority. If indeed this Organization is to contribute to the creation of favourable conditions, the importance of technical assistance to the developing countries must be underlined.

Mr. President,

I should like to recall that the protection and promotion of human rights is first and foremost the responsibility of national governments. And, that the World Conference on Human Rights did recommend that each State consider the desirability of drawing up a national action plan. I am therefore pleased to make known to the Council that in March of this year Indonesia's National Assembly adopted a set of five principles or guidelines on human rights to be followed by the Government during its implementation of the Seventh Five Year Development Plan. These principles include the definition of human rights, legal provisions, implementation of activities at field level, linkage of human rights to the international context and the socialization of human rights.

Furthermore, as the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been informed, the Indonesian National Plan of Action on Human Rights, 1998 - 2003, was officially launched in Jakarta by President Habibie on 25 June 1998. This event coincides with the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Progamme of Action, and is part and parcel of the activities marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The national plan, which consists of concrete programmes to be implemented within Indonesia's Seventh Five-Year Development Plan, provides not only guidelines for action but also a timetable for their implementation. First among its four pillars is the preparation for ratification of international human rights instruments, such as the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Second, is the dissemination of information and education on human rights. Third, the implementation of priority issues on human rights, and fourth, the implementation of international human rights instruments that have been ratified by Indonesia. As the nation continues its reforms for better governance, it is expected that the implementation of this national plan will further strengthen Indonesia's human rights framework and serve as an effective instrument for the fulfillment of the aspirations of all the Indonesian people.

In concluding, let me say that the Government of Indonesia is committed to bringing forward the human rights agenda at all levels, in a coherent and effective manner, as well to ensure that the outcome of the Vienna Conference is fully respected. We recognize that only together, through international cooperation, can lasting progress be made and the human condition enhanced.

Thank you.