Rights. Much of the input for the plan came from the Second National Workshop on
Human Rights held in late 1994, which was attended by some 300 participants,
comprising government officials, military officers, academics, Members of
Parliament, members of the National Commission and representatives of civil society.
Work on the plan was effectively concluded by 1996 but it was not made public until
after the political reforms that began in 1998. There have been indications that the
plan may be adjusted in the light of changing circumstances in Indonesia. For
example, the country’s commitment to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, scheduled to take place in 2003, was later brought forward to 2000.
The plan was launched by the Indonesian President on 25 June 1998, the fifth
anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. In
his statement at the launch of the plan, the Indonesian President said that “the key to
success lies in the cultivation and strengthening of a human rights culture”. He added
that “the real meaning of a plan of action lies in its implementation”.
The plan, which covers the period 1998-2003, is a very focused and precise
document. It begins with a preamble that situates the issue of human rights in the
Indonesian context. The preamble asserts the universality and indivisibility of human
rights as well as the balance between individual and collective rights and between
rights and responsibilities. The plan contains a narrative section that describes the
general approach in each of the four main areas of application and a Programme of
Activities set out in tabular form. It includes information on which agency will be
responsible for many of the activities described and indicates where international
assistance would be welcomed.
The four main areas of the plan’s application are:
1. Preparation for ratification of international human rights instruments
At the time the plan was launched, Indonesia had ratified two of the six major
international human rights instruments. The plan states that “ratification of
international human rights instruments will strengthen and expedite the development
of national legal instruments on human rights”. The tabular section sets out a five-year
programme for ratification of the remaining four major international human rights
instruments as well as a number of other instruments and ILO conventions. This
section includes provision for the review of existing legislation and the drafting of
new legislation as required and the formulation of guidance for law enforcement
personnel. It also addresses the need for development of the capacity to meet
reporting obligations effectively.
2. Dissemination of information and education on human rights
The plan stresses the need for a broad and consistent approach to human rights
education. It provides for:
• Work under the umbrella of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights
Education;
• Establishment of human rights courses in universities and other institutions of
higher education, including training for law enforcement officials;
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