REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GENEVA -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi again raised the war in Gaza during the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at the United Nations Office in Geneva on Tuesday (12/12/2023). He alluded to the celebration of Human Rights (HRH) which is precisely witnessed with the gravest violations in Palestine.

“The parties that often dictate to us about human rights are the ones that are now allowing Israel to violate

human rights,” Retno said.

According to Retno, Israel's actions that kill civil society, damage hospitals, places of worship, and refugee camps, and undermine basic Palestinian rights are not self-defence or self-defence. The acts of assault carried out by Israel are unequivocally judged to be unjustified and clearly violate international humanitarian law.

“As we commemorate 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are witnessing serious human rights violations taking place in Palestine, particularly in Gaza,” Retno told the media.

Retno stressed three important things that need to be taken into consideration and need to be done by the international community. As a first step, he invited countries to renew their joint commitments on human rights advocacy.

“I reiterate that anyone who is committed to being a defender of human rights must not remain silent and must not stop to continue to fight for justice and humanity for Palestinians,” the Foreign Minister said.

Indonesia also deeply regrets the failure of the UN Security Council to pass a ceasefire resolution. Retno said the results reflected the failure of the outdated multilateral system.

“The U.N. Security Council has failed to agree on a cease-fire resolution that should have been able to save many lives,” Retno said.

Retno then called on countries to reject the application of double standards in human rights enforcement. He explained that the application of double standards is the biggest problem in the application of human rights.

“Thirdly, I affirm that various human rights violations will be stopped immediately,” Retno said.

Retno again reiterated the application of the two-state solution effort. He also highlighted the root of the Palestinian problem that must be addressed thoroughly.

Reaffirming Indonesia's position, Retno also asserted that the conditions in Gaza are a gross violation of human rights while speaking at a Ministerial High-Level Event on the human rights situation in Palestine. As the representative of Indonesia, the Minister of the Republic of Indonesia urged an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

Retno also supports accountability mechanisms, including continuing to support the Independent International Commission of Inquiry set up by the Human Rights Council. “I also urge that the Independent Commission be given the widest possible access so that it can carry out its mandate properly. I also said that Indonesia will participate in the Advisory Opinion on Palestine at the International Court of Justice,” said the former Indonesian ambassador to the Netherlands.

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