VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Respect for human rights has become an important element for the stability and development of a country, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Dutch Embassy for Indonesia Ardi Stoios-Braken said in Jakarta Thursday

"Respect for human rights is a crucial condition for stability, growth, trade and prosperity," Stoios-Braken said. The Dutch government works internationally to promote and protect human rights, with a focus, among others, on freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and equal rights for all, she stated.

"In Southeast Asia, the Netherlands works closely with The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and its appointed representatives to protect and promote human rights in ASEAN," Stoios-Braken remarked. The Netherlands wishes to stay close and connected to the region, especially to work together with ASEAN and its member states to implement human rights treaties and the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights, she remarked.

"As the only human rights body within ASEAN, the institution is responsible for advancing human rights regionally," Stoios-Braken stated.

This spirit is also shared by AICHR Indonesia, whose main goal is to ensure that it can evolve into a full fledged institution that is accountable, effective, and independent, Stoios-Braken continued.

"I hope this organization not only promotes but also protects human rights," she stated. (ANTARA)