JAKARTA — Parts of Indonesia’s revised prison code seem “incompatible” with basic freedoms and human rights, the United Nations stated Thursday.
The sweeping overhaul consists of a ban on intercourse exterior marriage and the cohabitation of single {couples}, which activists have stated are a significant risk to the LGBTQ group’s rights in Indonesia.
There are additionally updates to offences associated to blasphemy—already against the law in Muslim-majority Indonesia—whereas journalists may face punishment for publishing news “that could incite unrest.”
The UN “notes with concern the adoption of certain provisions in the revised Criminal Code that appear to be incompatible with fundamental freedoms and human rights,” its workplace in Indonesia stated in an announcement.
“Some articles have the potential to criminalize journalistic work and impinge upon press freedom,” it added.
“Others would discriminate against, or have a discriminatory impact on, women, girls, boys and sexual minorities… and exacerbate gender-based violence, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Others threat “violating the rights to freedom of religion or belief, and could legitimize negative social attitudes towards members of minority religions or belief and lead to acts of violence against them.”
The reforms will make it riskier for same-sex {couples} to stay collectively brazenly in a rustic the place they already face widespread discrimination and anti-LGBTQ rules, in accordance with activists.
The UN assertion additionally flagged provisions that would result in violence towards non secular minorities.
It adopted an expression of concern by the United States concerning the affect of the brand new prison code on human rights and freedoms in Indonesia.
The revised code, which nonetheless must be accredited by President Joko Widodo, will come into power after three years. — Agence France-Presse
