Human Rights National Commission Queries Government's Commitment
Thursday, 01 February, 2007 | 13:32 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Zoemrotin K. Susilo, Deputy Head of the Human Rights National Commission, is questioning the government's commitment regarding human rights enforcement.

The halted investigation into abduction cases of activists in 1998 is indicative of the state's not caring about human rights protection.

“So, what exactly is the government's commitment?” Zoemrotin asked Tempo at the Human Rights National Commission's office yesterday (01/31) in Jakarta.

According to Zoemrotin, the National Commission's findings and investigations stated that there were serious violations of human rights in the abduction cases of activists.

However, the case investigations are now being delayed.
The Attorney General's Office (AGO), said Zoemrotin, was reluctant to investigate the cases because there was no recommendation from the House or Representatives (DPR) stating the cases as being serious violations of human rights.

In addition, the DPR has instead asked that the AGO investigate the cases directly.

Zoemrotin said that the cases could be brought before the UN Council of Human Rights should the government be unable to solve it.

“Victims' families should bring the case before the UN,” he said.

According to Zoemrotin, it was impossible for the government to bring the case before the UN Council of Human Rights.

TITO SIANIPAR