STATEMENT OF THE DELEGATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA AT ID WITH SR ON HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND WASTES 51ST SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 20 SEPTEMBER 2022
Thank you Mr. Vice President,
1. We take note of the report of the Special Rapporteur, which also highlighted the small-scale gold mining cases in Indonesia, as well as recommendations against mercury, which also become one of the focuses of the Government of Indonesia.
2. The misuse of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining is a major concern in our country. Furthermore, Indonesia also faces serious threats from global mercury illegal trade and environmental pollution from mercury emissions and releases.
3. Indonesia is adamant that the problem needs to be solved systematically and comprehensively, thus committed to supporting the implementation of the Minamata Convention.
4. I believe that no country can fight against environmental issues alone.
5. To this end, in April 2022, Indonesia successfully hosted the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Bali, Indonesia and agreed on the Bali declaration on combating the illegal trade of mercury.
6. Since 2017, President Joko Widodo has conveyed 7 instructions on the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining, including the issuance of a national action plan for the reduction and elimination of mercury. The Government of Indonesia aims to make the country mercury free by 2030.
7. The National Action Plan on Human Rights 2022-2024 has composed strong commitment and coordination among the stakeholders, as well as monitoring, to reduce the utilization of mercury; raise awareness among the public on the negative impacts of mercury; and find alternative technologies which support industries with zero mercury.
8. Indonesia agrees that mercury brings a serious impact on human health and the environment, which needs serious attention since a healthy environment is basic rights that shall be fulfilled.
9. As such, we would like to underscore once again the importance of concrete international cooperation among nations and partners in addressing environment issues. Such cooperation includes support from developed countries and partners to fulfill their obligations in providing financial support, technology transfer and capacity building to address our mutual concerns
Thank you.
