🇮🇩⚖️Indonesia elected to lead UN Human Rights Council in 2026
Indonesia to leads council sessions, oversees rights reviews until December
🎯 The Main Takeaway
Indonesia was officially inaugurated as the 20th President of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026 term on Thursday (1/8), at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The decision was made after all 47 member state nominated Indonesia as the sole Asia-Pacific candidate to lead the organization.
Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, will lead the forum until December, replacing Switzerland’s Jürg Lauber.
🇮🇩 Why was Indonesia Chosen?
According to Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, several factors contributed to Indonesia being chosen as President of the organization:
Indonesia has a consistent role and strong record in promoting and protecting human rights internationally.
Indonesia has been a member of the UN Human Rights Council six times and has twice served as its Vice President.
Indonesia also served as Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the predecessor of the UN Human Rights Council, in 2005.
“Our decision to step forward is rooted in our 1945 constitution and that aligns with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter which mandates Indonesia to contribute to world peace based on independence, peace and social justice.”
Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, UN Human Rights Council President
📡 Why It’s on Our Radar?
There are several major global issues related to human rights, that Indonesia needs to address:
🇸🇩 🇨🇩 Africa: Mass killings, displacement, sexual violence, torture, arbitrary detention, and the recruitment of child soldiers have been carried out by state forces, rebel groups, and allied militias in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Middle East: Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories in Gaza has led to mass killings, displacement, detention, and starvation since October 7, 2023, and has expanded tensions to Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran.
🇲🇲 Myanmar: A military junta seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021, leading to mass killings, widespread civilian displacement, and the systematic persecution of the Rohingya through discrimination and restrictions.
🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Russia’s aggression in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, has involved indiscriminate attacks, killings, detention, torture, and forced transfers of civilians.
🇺🇸 🇻🇪 Venezuela: U.S. military actions and involvement in Venezuela since January 3, 2026, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and control over oil management, have raised concerns over human rights violations, prompting the UN to deploy an independent fact-finding mission to ensure accountability.
👑 What will Indonesia Do?
Under the theme “Presidency for All,” Indonesia will chair the Council’s three scheduled sessions in late February, June, and September, and will also periodically oversee reviews of the human rights records of Council members.
Indonesia is committed to carrying out its responsibilities with full respect for the Council’s principles, credibility, and integrity, by promoting:
🌐 Multilateralism: Indonesia will uphold a multilateral order where peace, prosperity, and progress are not the privilege of a few, but the right of all.
🙏 Universal respect: Indonesia will protect all human rights based on universality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, treating all rights in a fair and equal manner.
🤝 Fostering an inclusive space: Indonesia will ensure accessibility, prevent discrimination, promote gender equality, and encourage the participation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“Indonesia is committed to carrying out its UN Human Rights Council presidency impartially, objectively, and transparently. Its presidency will prioritize building trust, strengthening cross-regional dialogue, and fostering constructive engagement with all stakeholders.”
Sugiono, Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Minister
⚖️ What’s at Stake
Indonesia’s presidency of the UN Human Rights Council carries several important stakes:
🔑 Key global player: Indonesia needs to be a key player in global human rights discussions, boosting its diplomatic influence and soft power internationally.
⚖️ Human rights credibility: Indonesia’s image should reflect a moderate, rule-based actor committed to international law, human rights, and multilateral solutions.
🕊️ Mediating conflicts, promoting peace: Indonesia needs to provide a platform for inclusive dialogue, eases geopolitical tensions, and support conflict resolution in troubled regions.
🛡️ Maintain inclusivity: Indonesia must review human rights cases and concerns objectively and inclusively, then provide fair solutions that benefit all parties.
🌍 The Regional Stakes
Indonesia’s election as President of the UN Human Rights Council has several important regional effects for ASEAN and beyond:
🎤 Elevates ASEAN’s voice: Indonesia’s presidency helps ASEAN member states voice their human rights perspectives in global forums.
🗺️ More focus regionally: Indonesia can draw global attention to regional human rights issues while promoting peaceful and multilateral solutions.
🤝 Boost regional cooperation: Indonesia is expected to engage and work closely with member and non-member states, observers, institutions, civil society, and regional organizations to recognize their vital role in the human rights architecture.
⚖️ Balancing Global Tensions: Indonesia can help reduce polarization by promoting inclusive engagement between major powers, which benefits regional stability amid rising geopolitical competition.
Indonesia is the second Southeast Asian country to serve as President of the UN Human Rights Council. The first was Thailand, which held the position from June 2010 to June 2011 under the leadership of the current Minister of the Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
🧭 Need More Angles?
Ministry of The Foreign Affairs Indonesia Holds the Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026
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UN News Human Rights Council elects Indonesian candidate President for 2026
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