Indonesia Pushes Multilateral Disarmament, Human Rights at UN Rights Council

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral disarmament and the protection of human rights amid rising global tensions, stressing that both are essential pillars of international peace and security.

“We believe this commitment is not mere idealism; it is a necessity,” said Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara, warning that the international landscape is becoming increasingly dangerous, uncertain, and polarized, with many nations resorting to defensive strategies.

Minister Sugiono highlighted mounting pressures on international law and multilateral institutions. “The global disarmament landscape is not only stagnant but regressing. More than 12,000 nuclear warheads remain, modernization programs are expanding, and nuclear rhetoric is increasingly frequent and alarming,” he said.

He expressed concern over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which leaves the U.S. and Russia without agreed limits on strategic nuclear forces for the first time in decades. “Multilateral disarmament efforts must adapt to these new realities,” he added, noting that emerging technologies - including artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and space systems - pose escalating risks without clear safeguards.

Outlining Indonesia’s vision for the HRC under its leadership, Minister Sugiono described it as a “Presidency for All", reflecting a commitment to strengthen the council’s role amid pressures on multilateralism. “This presidency is not only for Indonesia; it is a Presidency for All,” he emphasized.

He cautioned against polarization or selective handling of human rights cases, warning that such practices could undermine the council’s credibility. “Our responsibility is to ensure that tensions do not erode the council’s legitimacy,” he said, stressing that the HRC must remain credible, relevant, and principled - guided by impartiality, objectivity, and transparency.

Indonesia also underscored its continued engagement in resolving global conflicts and humanitarian crises. Minister Sugiono reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights, calling for an end to violence, full humanitarian access, and a just, lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

On Myanmar, Indonesia reiterated its commitment to implementing the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and strengthening the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). “Upholding international humanitarian law is our shared obligation,” he stressed, adding that sustainable conflict resolution must be built on trust, dialogue, and mutual respect rather than coercion.

The 61st HRC session, held from February 23 to March 31, 2026, marks Indonesia’s first time presiding over the council since its establishment in 2006. Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, is leading the presidency. During its tenure, Indonesia plans to advance thematic issues including the prevention of female genital mutilation, promotion of a culture of peace, sustainable development financing, disability rights, and children’s rights.

Minister Sugiono’s address underscores Indonesia’s dual approach: advocating for multilateral disarmament while defending human rights globally, positioning the country as a proactive bridge-builder in an increasingly polarized international environment. ***