UN says parts of Indonesia's new criminal code incompatible with rights

The UN said on Thursday that parts of Indonesia's revised criminal code appear incompatible with fundamental freedoms and human rights. The sweeping overhaul includes a ban on sex outside marriage and the cohabitation of unmarried couples, which activists have said are a major threat to the LGBTQ community's rights in Indonesia.

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 office in Indonesia said in a statement.

It added that some articles could criminalise journalistic work and impinge on press freedom.

Other people 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 could cause acts of violence against people of minority religions or belief and legitimise negative social attitudes towards members of minority religions or belief, and could lead to acts of violence against them.