Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 13th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia
Statement by Australia
23 May 2012
Australia commends the Government of Indonesia on its continued efforts to strengthen the capacity of its law and justice institutions to promote and protect human rights, in keeping with Indonesia’s standing as a democratic nation and regional leader.
We recommend that Indonesia intensify its efforts to respect and uphold freedom of expression, including political expression, and the freedom to manifest one’s religious belief, for all its citizens, including by ensuring effective state protection for minorities.
We recommend that Indonesia continue to increase human rights transparency by improving the access of local and international media organisations, engagement with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other relevant international organisations throughout Indonesia.
We further recommend that, in recognition of its commitment to human rights and its leadership role in the region, Indonesia ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
Australia welcomes the work that has been done to bolster Indonesia’s democratic institutions, such as the holding of more than 600 free and fair elections since 2004. We recognize efforts by Indonesia over the last decade to improve the human rights record of its security forces. We strongly support Indonesia’s commitment to raise its National Police’s standards in this regard and, more broadly, its commitment to improve human rights throughout the country.
We recommend that Indonesia ensure fair and proper legal action in relation to those investigated and prosecuted, including impartial trials and reasonable sentences, as well as detention standards that meet international norms. We further recommend that Indonesia ensure prompt, comprehensive, and effective investigations into credible allegations of human rights violations by members of the security forces, and examine options for establishing an independent review mechanism with the ability to recommend prosecutions.
Australia is pleased to acknowledge the accomplishments of Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), particularly its work in resolving conflicts through mediation, helping to establish effective regional mechanisms that allow individuals to bring forward human rights grievances, and its close cooperation with the Indonesian military to provide human rights training. Australia welcomes key steps taken by the Indonesian Government to further improve its human rights record, including the appointment in January 2012 of former Komnas HAM member, Albert Hasibuan to advise the Indonesian Government on human rights.
Through our broader cooperation with Indonesia, Australia continues to emphasise human rights awareness, accountability and respect for the rule of law. We note that Australia’s aid program is helping to build the capacity of non-police law and justice institutions, both in the Indonesian Government and civil society, with a particular emphasis on legal reform and human rights.