The Faculty of Law at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), in collaboration with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights (Kemenham) of North Sumatra, organized a Human Rights Capacity-Building program for communities. The event was themed “Equality and Accessibility for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities as the Implementation of Human Rights Values” and took place at the campus auditorium on Thursday (March 12).
The program was officially opened by the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights of North Sumatra, Dr. Flora Nainggolan, S.H., M.Hum., and was attended by more than 250 participants from various human rights communities in Medan.
In her remarks, Dr. Flora emphasized that human rights are closely connected to everyday life.
“Human rights are not as complex as people often تصور. In fact, they are very close to our daily lives, especially within community settings,” she said.
She expressed hope that the event would encourage communities to become agents in promoting human rights values.
“We hope communities will not only serve as gathering spaces, but also as drivers in instilling human rights values within their respective environments,” she added.
Earlier, the Rector of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P., represented by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum., stated that human rights issues remain a central topic in society.
“Today’s discussion reflects an issue that never fades, as matters related to human rights are always relevant,” he said.
He also highlighted that some existing regulations may still be biased against certain groups, including women and persons with disabilities.
“It turns out that some of our laws and regulations still undermine the rights of women and persons with disabilities,” he noted.
This activity aimed to enhance public understanding of the respect, protection, promotion, enforcement, and fulfillment of human rights in social life.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Law UMSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal, S.H., M.Hum., expressed appreciation for the collaboration between UMSU and the Ministry of Human Rights.
“We would like to thank the Ministry of Human Rights for consistently involving Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, particularly the Faculty of Law, in various human rights-related activities,” he stated.
Dr. Faisal emphasized that the event is highly relevant amid ongoing human rights issues globally.
“Today’s event is very important and much anticipated, especially in the context of the many human rights violations that still occur around the world,” he added.
The program continued with a seminar session moderated by Dr. Ismail Koto, S.H., M.H., a lecturer at the Faculty of Law. Two speakers delivered presentations: Dr. Majda El Muthaj, S.H., M.Hum., an academic from Universitas Negeri Medan, who emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable groups; and Wina Khairina, M.Si., a lecturer and researcher from Universitas Sumatera Utara, who highlighted the persistently high rates of violence against women.
Also in attendance were Lia Mariani, Head of Sub-Directorate for Systems and Strategies of Human Rights Capacity Building (MKPU); Desni Pri Manik, Head of the Human Rights Instruments and Capacity Strengthening Division of the North Sumatra Kemenham Regional Office; representatives of women’s and disability communities, civil society organizations, the UMSU academic community, and students.
