THE United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) was established in 2006 to replace the N Commission on Human Rights and redress its shortcomings, especially regarding objectivity and politicization. Indonesia served two terms in the HRC: first as an initial ember from 2006 for a one-year term, and second for a full three-year term from 007 to 2010. In 2011, Indonesia is planning to run for a third term of membership in
the Council. To that end, Indonesia must convince again the General Assembly of its ommitment to the highest standards of promotion and protection of human rights.

 

Member States will assess Indonesia’s prior contribution to the HRC and progress in mproving its human rights situation domestically.
For that purpose, it is necessary for the civil society to have in hand a document utlining, first, Indonesia’s level of fulfillment of its voluntary pledges and commitments s well as recommendations from the UPR Working Group; second, a record of positions aken by Indonesia on important international human rights issues, both on thematic ssues and country situations.

On 12 April 2007, The Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the UN addressed the ndonesia’s Voluntary Pledges and Commitments to the President of the UNGA. There are at least 6 pledges and commitments at the national level. First, Indonesia pledged to dvocating and promoting freedom of religion and tolerance. Second, strengthening nstitutional framework, including ensure the independent and empowerment of the ational Human Rights Commission, and also pursue the empowerment of the newly established local human rights commissions at the provincial and district levels. Third, ecognizing the important role of the free and dynamic press and critical role of the GO. Fourth, Indonesia promised to continue the ratification of international nstruments and the harmonization of domestic laws with international norms. Fifth, ndonesia would also maintain its active support for the protecting women’s rights and he rights of the child, particularly in the efforts to eliminate discrimination and violence gainst women, as well as its fight against human trafficking at the national, regional and international levels. Sixth, Indonesia pledged to the further strengthening of good overnance and the rule of law, by enhancing the effectiveness of its legal institutions.