The seventh session of the Indonesia – EU Human Rights Dialogue was held on 1 February 2018 in Jakarta. The Delegation from the Republic of Indonesia was led by Mr Dicky Komar, Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the Delegation of the European Union was headed by H.E. Mr David Daly, Head of Division South East Asia in the European External Action Service.
PRESS RELEASE
7th Indonesia - European Union Human Rights Dialogue
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The seventh session of the Indonesia – EU Human Rights Dialogue was held on 1 February 2018 in Jakarta. The Delegation from the Republic of Indonesia was led by Mr Dicky Komar, Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the Delegation of the European Union was headed by H.E. Mr David Daly, Head of Division South East Asia in the European External Action Service. The Dialogue was attended by representatives from related Ministries of the Republic of Indonesia and Embassies of the Member States of the European Union.
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The Dialogue benefits both sides in their respective efforts to strengthen the respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Indonesia and the EU. These consolidate, deepen and expand Indonesia – EU relations in various areas of mutual interest.
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Both sides exchanged views on human rights developments at national, regional and global level since the last Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels in June 2016. Several human rights issues were discussed, including access to justice and penal policy, the rights of migrants and people belonging to minorities/vulnerable groups, business and human rights, freedom of assembly and association and freedom of expression.
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Both sides provided updates on their respective efforts to promote and protect human rights, including the implementation of Indonesia’s fourth generation of National Human Rights Action Plan (RANHAM), Indonesia’s third cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May 2017 and Indonesia’s voluntary national report on SDGs in July 2017. The EU shared its experience in addressing hate speech and fake news while guaranteeing freedom of expression. Both sides underlined the joint commitment to effectively address this human rights challenge.
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During the discussion, both sides shared their views on the necessity to uphold international human rights in their respective responses to the migration challenges that they are facing. Both sides acknowledged the importance of transparent and accountable justice systems to deliver justice for all. In this context, Indonesia provided updates on the current revision of the criminal code affecting some of issues discussed. The EU and Indonesia discussed the death penalty. The EU explained its position and experience in adopting alternative criminal penalties to combat crimes. The EU noted, in this context, the importance of a comprehensive policy to effectively combat the scourge of drug trafficking. Both sides underlined the joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem as reflected in the outcome document of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem.
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The two sides stressed the great importance of business and human rights and the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) including in the fisheries industry. Both sides discussed the important link between human rights and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and achieving its goals. In this context, there was an exchange on views on the human rights related aspects of the Palm oil production. Indonesia stated the significant contribution of palm oil in the job creation and poverty alleviation agendas and the need to ensure the principle of non-discrimination in policy making.
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Both sides agreed to further enhance the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable groups and minorities, ensuring non-discrimination in their exercise of political, economic, cultural and social rights. Both sides agreed to explore further exchanges between civil society and their engagement in the EU and Indonesia.
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The two sides acknowledged the importance of strengthening their cooperation on the promotion and protection of human rights in international fora, notably ASEAN and engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. The 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 25th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action add further impetus to our efforts. The EU commended Indonesia’s third cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), particularly the acceptance of 167 recommendations by Indonesia and looked forward to their implementation which the EU stands ready to support. Both sides considered the UPR mechanism as an important tool to observe and accelerate progress while at the same time identifying challenges and to explore possible solutions to improve the human rights situation on the ground.
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Both sides agreed to continue working together to address human rights challenges in the EU and Indonesia. Indonesia expressed its interest in joining a future coalition of countries with "good human rights stories" proposed by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights during his visit in November 2017.
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The next dialogue round would be held in Brussels.