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Seeking Indonesian figure for ASEAN rights body
The process of selecting Indonesia’s representative to the regional human rights body is ongoing.
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Indonesia has been a key actor in advancing human rights in ASEAN for many years. (Shutterstock/File)
T
he process of selecting Indonesia’s representative to the regional human rights body is ongoing. Unfortunately, many will roll their eyes at the mere mention of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The commission has, often rightly, been criticized for being ineffective and unable to stand up to governments. But the AICHR has actually had more impact than it has been given credit for, often due to behind-the-scenes work of its representatives. Indonesia should seize this important moment not to just reflect on its role in ASEAN cooperation on human rights, but also to ensure that it selects a representative that can genuinely advance its rights agenda across the region.
Indonesia has been among those progressive ASEAN member states that have contributed to increasing regional acceptance of human rights and their incorporation into the frameworks of the regional body, notably the ASEAN Charter and Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali Concord II). The drafting history of the charter also shows that Indonesia was among the countries championing the inclusion of human rights.
Since the establishment of the AICHR in 2009, Indonesia has continued to play a leading role in its directions and operational procedures. Indonesia has led and institutionalized key activities of AICHR, including the mainstreaming of human rights into the works of key stakeholders, as well as institutionalizing the commission’s engagements with various actors.
Indonesia has undertaken several thematic regional activities, including on human trafficking, migration, sustainable development goals and human rights as well as the freedom of expression.
