The minister of Foreign Affairs
Drs. F.C.G.M. Timmermans
Postbox 20061
2500 EB The Hague
Date: 3 May 2013
Concerns: open letter 'crackdown' May 1 demonstrations Papua
Our ref. : 2013/0503/02/kj
Your ref.: Indonesia-Papua
Foundation Pro Papua strongly asks you to note and condemn the Indonesian Government security forces assault on peaceful May 1 demonstrations by Papuans. Widespread non-violent Papuan demonstrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's coercive annexation of West Papua in 1963 were met with security force brutality resulting in the killing of two Papuans and the wounding and detention of many more.
UN Human Rights Commissioner Pillay's May 2 statement* regarding the violence expressed "serious concern" over the "crackdown." The statement cited UN Human Rights High Commissioner as stating: "These latest incidents are unfortunate examples of the on-going suppression of freedom of expression and excessive use of force in Papua. I urge the Government of Indonesia to allow peaceful protest and hold accountable those involved in abuses.”
Pro Papua, noting the close relations between The Hague and Jakarta call on the Dutch Government to press the Indonesian Government to end its suppression of freedom of speech in West Papua and to hold accountable before
civilian courts those responsible for violence against civilian demonstrators.
We think that you should also press the Indonesian Government to allow visits by UN Human Rights Special Rapporteurs, as the Indonesian Government agreed to do in late 2012.
On behalf of Foundation Pro Papua,
with kind regards,
Koen J. de Jager