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Discourse: UN expert says govts should not be pushy with protesters
United Nations expert Clément Nyaletsossi Voule believes many governments in Southeast Asia see social movements as a threat to national security and development – and in some cases even a terrorist threat.
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Crowds wait for the arrival of Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab at the group's headquarters in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, on Nov. 10. (Antara/Asprilla Dwi Adha)
T
he year 2020 has conjured many concerns, the biggest of which may still be the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Southeast Asia, the year has also been one of student activism and protests to express various grievances. The Jakarta Post’s Dian Septiari spoke with Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, a United Nations special rapporteur and an expert on the rights to free assembly and association, to discuss the trend. The following are excerpts of the interview:
Question: Do you think COVID-19 has been a catalyst for the increase in social movements in Southeast Asia?
Answer: I think what we’ve seen in recent months is also the consequences of many governments not dealing with some grievances that have been stirring for a long time.
Since the beginning of this year, there's been a lot of emergency laws put in place because of COVID-19 that forbid gatherings. It is true that many people are afraid for their lives, but […] when the government is not dealing with [injustices], at some point, people feel that they have to take things into their own hands.
People cannot be expected to continue being impacted by injustices, the lack of opportunities or government engagement on social issues […] and remain silent.
So I think the fact that nothing is being done to address some of these underlying issues – the poverty, inequalities and injustices – [means there is no guarantee] that people will keep silent.
