Legal Status and Protection for Women Human Rights Defenders in Indonesia

Abstract

The term "Human Rights Defenders" (Pembela HAM in Indonesia) refers to individuals or groups dedicated to defending and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. In their efforts, human rights defenders frequently encounter verbal threats, attacks, and even physical violence that significantly hinder their activities. Women human rights defenders play a crucial role in human rights activism; however, they are particularly vulnerable due to their gender. Their bodies, sexuality, and identities are often violently targeted, with gender stereotypes being exploited to justify these attacks. Despite this vulnerability, women human rights defenders in Indonesia lack adequate protection. This paper utilizes a normative analytical descriptive research method to explore the unique challenges faced by women human rights defenders as a vulnerable group and to examine the existing protective norms. The Indonesian government has an obligation, under current legal frameworks, to ensure the protection of women human rights defenders, taking into account their specific vulnerabilities.