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4. Views expressed on the outcome by the State under
review and concluding remarks
374. Indonesia stated that most of the points raised by other stakeholders were sufficiently
addressed in its statement. Indonesia responded to the criticism levelled at the Government by
the Komnas-HAM. As already stated, its legal foundation makes it one of the strongest
commissions. While acknowledging that it is funded by the State budget, the Commission has
never been prevented from criticizing the Government in any forum, including in this Council.
375. Concerning the criticism on the way the Government has handled the issue of Ahmadiyah,
Indonesia reiterated that it has never interfered in interpreting religious doctrine or limiting
religious freedom in the country. The Ahmadiyah issue is not simply a question of freedom of
religion. Extra caution is needed since this issue is highly sensitive and involves dual aspects. On
the one hand, the Government is responsible for promoting a harmonious life amongst religions
and their believers. On the other hand, the Government is mandated to uphold law and order, and
committed to eradicate extremism and radicalism.
376. In closing, Indonesia extended its gratitude to the members of the Council, observer States
and other participating stakeholders for their active involvement leading up to the adoption of the
Working Group report. Indonesia reaffirmed its full support to the universal periodic review
mechanism and its follow-up process. The exercise is intended to achieve the final objectives of,
inter alia, the improvement of the situation on the ground and ensuring that the principles of
universality, interdependence and indivisibility are fully upheld. It also observed that the review
mechanism so far has been successful in reviewing the obligations, commitments and
performance of all countries without exception, placing them all on an equal footing. The
exercise has been a precious opportunity for Indonesia to take stock of its current position in
human rights fields as well as a chance to test the efficiency of this mechanism. In this regard,
Indonesia expressed its hope that the genuine dialogue that was shown so far will continue in
good faith.
377. Indonesia hoped that the explanations provided would enhance the understanding of the
complex challenges it faces in its endeavours to promote and protect human rights. In this
respect, it expressed its sincere appreciation for the comments, observations, and criticisms made
by the distinguished delegations of member States, observers and the national human rights
institutions as well as non-governmental organizations. Indonesia valued these inputs, as it
considers them to be reflections of the common responsibility and the need to witness further
progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in Indonesia.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
378. The review of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was held
on 10 April 2008 in conformity with all the relevant provisions contained in Council
resolution 5/1, and was based on the following documents: the national report submitted by the
United Kingdom in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a)
(A/HRC/WG.6/1/GBR/1); the compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with
paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/GBR/2); and the summary prepared by OHCHR in
accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/1/GBR/3).
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