Statement by H.E. Mr. Dian Triansyah Djani, Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of Indonesia at the First session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights CounciI Review
Agenda Item 3: General Discussion on the Work and Functioning of the Council in accordance with the mandate under OP16 of the UNGA Res.60/251.
Mr. President,
On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank the President of the Human Rights Council for convening this important meeting.
We also commend the High Commissioner for her consistent commitment to this important review process.
My delegation would also like to align itself to the statements made by Egypt and Pakistan on behalf of the NAM and the OIC respectively.
Mr. President,
Today marks an important milestone in the history of the Council and the evolution of its working processes. Much has been achieved since its inception over four years ago and this week’s session provides a timely opportunity for us to look at how the Council has succeeded and at the ways it can be improved.
Moroever, we perceive this review process as an important journey and we have engaged with our National Human Rights Institution as well as other stakeholders to ensure their participation and aspirations are taken into account.
May I once again reiterate Indonesia’s steadfast belief and expectation that the dialogue within this session will purely focus on the work and functioning of the Council, as mandated by General Assembly resolution 60/251 particularly OP 16.
Indonesia would also like to stress the importance of maintaining the delicate balance agreed on the IB package and we encourage all stakeholders to be open-minded and to move forward with an optimistic and flexible mindset.
Mr. President,
My delegation has prepared a number of concrete proposals which will be submitted for more detailed review over the course of the week. But for the moment, allow me to present our general assessment of the Human Rights Council.
We can not deny that the Council has made some achievements compared to its predecessor. The UPR mechanism has proven to be an effective forum for non-discriminatory and thorough monitoring of human rights situation globally. The practice of “naming and shaming” has been mostly replaced by dialogue and cooperation which we should preserve. The Council’s innovative mechanisms and methods of work, such as panel discussions and interactive dialogues with all human rights mechanisms as well as other stakeholders, have been efficient tool for sharing information and experiences.
Yet, points of contention, concerns and challenges still remain to be addressed. The politicization of several issues, excessive meeting schedules, problems with documentation and technical arrangements are just a few of the aspects under review.
Thereofer, Indonesia supports the proposal to examine ways to increase the effeciency of the Council’s work, including by supporting States which voluntarily request technical supports and assistance in implementing their human rights obligations. Hopefully, these efforts will eventually bring more tangible impacts to victims of human rights violations.
In closing, may I once again express Indonesia’s sincere hope that this historical review process will be a success and yield fruitful and constructive outcomes. We should never forget that what we are doing here, this week and in the coming weeks, will and should have an impact on the ground vis-à-vis the promotion and protection of human rights. As always, Indonesia lends it full support to the President of the Council and all those involved in carrying out this important work.
Thank you.
Geneva, 25 October 2010
