At UNHRC, Sugiono Highlights Setbacks and Risks in Disarmament

RRI.CO.ID, Geneva- Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, reaffirmed that Indonesia remains committed to multilateral disarmament as a key pillar in maintaining international peace and security amid an increasingly uncertain and tense global situation. Sugiono also said that current global conditions are becoming more volatile, polarized, and precarious, with mounting pressure on international law and multilateral institutions.

“We believe that commitment to multilateral disarmament is not merely idealism, but a necessity,” Sugiono said at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday (23 February 2026), as quoted in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He highlighted that the global disarmament landscape is not only stagnating but also backsliding, as reflected by the existence of more than 12,000 nuclear warheads worldwide, accelerating modernization programs, and increasingly provocative nuclear rhetoric. According to him, the notion that nuclear deterrence ensures security only exacerbates insecurity and amplify threat perceptions.

“More than 12,000 warheads remain in existence. Modernization programs are accelerating. Arsenals are being expanded. And nuclear rhetoric is becoming more frequent and more alarming.”

Sugiono also pointed to the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) as an alarming development because, for the first time in decades, there are no agreed limits on the strategic nuclear forces of the two countries with the largest arsenals, which has global implications and increases the risk of miscalculation and a renewed arms race.

“For the first time in decades, there are no agreed limits on their strategic nuclear forces,” he said.

He also underscored the risks posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities, and outer space developments, which could heighten escalation risks without clear safeguards.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council is the first session chaired by Indonesia through its Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, since the body was established in 2006. The session runs from 23 February to 31 March.

During Indonesia’s presidency, several thematic issues are being highlighted, including the prevention of female genital mutilation, promotion of a culture of peace, financing for sustainable development, the rights of persons with disabilities, and children’s rights.