Enforcement of Human Rights in Palestine Compared to Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the enforcement of human rights in Palestine and Indonesia, providing a comparative analysis to highlight key differences and derive insights. It delves into the human rights situation in both countries, particularly focusing on how the Israeli occupation systematically violates Palestinian rights, with special emphasis on recent developments after October 7, 2023. The research uses an analytical and comparative methodology. The findings indicate that while both Indonesian and Palestinian legislators recognize human rights as constitutional, enforcement varies significantly. In Indonesia, being an independent and democratic state with full sovereignty, human rights are better enforced. The country has a dedicated human rights law, an independent court for human rights protection, and institutions held accountable by the people. On the other hand, Palestine faces substantial challenges under Israeli military occupation due to the lack of sovereignty and independence. Law enforcement efforts are further hindered by political division, disrupted democratic processes, and the absence of a dedicated human rights law and court. Additionally, the suspension of elections since 2007 has caused a stagnation in democratic transitions. Cultural differences also affect how rights are practiced. Indonesia's diverse cultural landscape means that the interpretation of human rights varies across regions, whereas Palestine's more homogeneous culture leads to a more unified approach. For instance, women's rights in Indonesia are broader, granting women greater freedoms compared to those in Palestine. This difference underscores Indonesia’s relative advancement in the enforcement of human rights compared to Palestine.