©UNHCR/A. Juffrian Refugee women and children are gathering for socialization activities.
Responding to the latest issues regarding UNHCR, here we share several facts for everyone to know:
- While Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1945 Constitution Article 28, recognizes the right to seek asylum, for all individuals. Furthermore, being a party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Indonesia is bound by its Article 14, which specifically outlines the right to seek asylum from persecution.Consequently, despite not being a signatory to the Refugee Convention, Indonesia bears the responsibility to offer protection to refugees, as mandated by both its domestic laws and international commitments.
- Additionally, a specific legal mandate is outlined in the 2016 Presidential Regulation, which stipulates Indonesia’s duty to search and rescue, as well as facilitate the disembarkation of refugee boats in distress (Articles 6 and 9), further reinforces the country’s dedication to a humanitarian approach within the bounds of the law.
- Even without those legal frameworks, Indonesia’s foundational philosophy – the Pancasila – is grounded in the notion of humanitarianism (Pancasila Pillar 2 – “just and civilized humanity”).
- The non-refoulement principle is part of customary law, which means that all countries in the world need to respect this law regardless to whether they are party to the 1951 Convention or not.
- Indonesia, a global leader, possesses the opportunity to exhibit humanitarian leadership in the region. Indonesia has been welcoming refugees for many years since the 1970s, and this best practice sets an example for other counties in the region to follow.
- UNHCR is present in Indonesia at the request of the Indonesian Government and on behalf of the Government, UNHCR provides international protection and assistance to refugees in the country, as per its global mandate. UNHCR works in close coordination with the Indonesian government at the local, regional, and national level.
- UNHCR, the UN Refugee agency, is a humanitarian agency. UNHCR does not benefit financially from a refugee crisis and utilizes any funding received to respond to the needs of refugees and host communities. All assistance and services provided by UNHCR to refugees are entirely free of charge.
- UNHCR utilizes all contributions from UN member states and various donors, including the private sector, to provide support and assistance to refugees.We welcome and appreciate donations from governments and individuals to further our efforts to assist refugees in Aceh, over 75% of whom are women and children. Our funding is closely monitored by the United Nations and undergoes third-party audits.
- The current programs of UNHCR and partners in Aceh and other locations where refugees are hosted are entirely funded by donations from UN member states and other donors. UNHCR and partners do not receive or utilize any financial contributions from the Indonesian Government to fund the refugee response in Indonesia.
- UNHCR is thankful to the Indonesian Government for identifying sites for the refugees who recently disembarked in Aceh. Following the transfer of the refugees to the sites, UNHCR will continue working with partners to meet the needs of refugees, including food, drinking water, clean water, sanitation, medication and health services.
- For many years, UNHCR has been working in good coordination and cooperation with the Indonesian Government, the local community, our partners, supporters, and donors to provide protection to refugees. We hope to see the same spirit of solidarity and humanity to refugees now and in the future.
For more information, please contact:
Mitra Salima Suryono +62 811 1960 0493, [email protected]
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