Komnas HAM and the politics of human rights in Indonesia

Abstract

There are some who see no good reason for establishing special machinery devoted to the promotion and protection of human rights. They may argue that such bodies are not a wise use of scarce resources and that an independent judiciary and democratically elected parliament are sufficient to ensure that human rights abuses do not occur. Unfortunately, history has taught us differently. An institution which is in some way separated from the responsibilities of executive governance and judicial administration is in a position to take a leading role in the field of human rights. By maintaining its real and perceived distance from the Government of the day. such a body can make a unique contribution to a country's efforts to protect its citizen.s and to develop a culture respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms. - United Nations Centre for Human Rights