Press Release by the International Coalition for Papua
_
Updates on West Papua:
The number of arrests made in connection with peaceful demonstrations held in several cities in West Papua and in other parts of Indonesia has risen to an alarming, record-breaking high of more than 4000 Papuans detained between April and June 2016. We are very concerned about this grave violation of the freedom of assembly and freedom of opinion and expression as well as reports of violence and torture exercised by security forces. (detailed graphic)
UN Discussions on West Papua
The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association reminds Indonesia to protect freedom of expression in West Papua despite the unitary state ideology (NKRI). A UN report in relation to West Papua states that "He stresses that the State has the responsibility to protect and facilitate protests that advocate for political and cultural views that differ from, and even oppose, those espoused by the Government."
Read more
On June 22nd 2016, an oral statement regarding the human rights situation in West Papua was held before the UN Human Rights Council
Read the statement here
Report on the unlawful arrests of 1,269 Papuans between June 10th and 15th 2016
Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Jakarta (LBH, Jakarta Legal Aid Institute) has released a report based on testimonies collected on location by members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and Papuan Students Alliance (AMP). The information has been verified by the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta). The number of people arrested is consistent with local media reports.
On 15 June 2016, thousands of West Papuans conducted peaceful demonstrations simultaneously in Jayapura, Sentani, Wamena, Manokwari, Merauke, Sorong, Fakfak, Yalimo, Paniai, Nabire, Yahukimo and Malang. The demonstrations were held in support of the ULMWP to be recognized as a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and to reject the human rights investigation team formed by Indonesian state which they deem not impartial.
MSG as possible peace platform for conflict resolution
The people of West Papua have repeatedly voiced the demand for peace talks between West Papua and the Indonesian Central government. Various peace building initiatives, such as the road map created by the Papua Peace Network JDP and the Indonesian Institute of Sciences LIPI, have so far failed to get both conflict parties on one table. A recent MSG meeting on 16 June brings new hope for peace in the long lasting conflict between both parties. The Melanesian Spearhead Group had invited a senior delegation from Indonesia and representatives of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
Read more
_
About the ICP
Human Rights and Peace for Papua is an international coalition of faith-based and civil society organisations (the Coalition) addressing the serious human rights condition in West Papua and supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict there. West Papua (Papua) refers to the western half of the New Guinea island in the Pacific and comprises the eastern most provinces of Indonesia. Indigenous Papuans are suffering from a long and ongoing history of human rights violations and security forces subject them to violence including killings, torture and arbitrary arrests. Impunity prevails. A lack of adequate access to health care and education as well as demographical and economical marginalisation and discrimination mark the living condition for Papuans. A heavy presence of Indonesian security forces, lack of access for international observers such as journalists, corruption and transmigration from other parts of Indonesia aggravate the situation. Political prisoners and the persecution of political activists shows the extent of repression with which freedom of expression and indigenous peoples’ rights are being violated. Papua’s wealth in natural resources attracts businesses and security forces resulting in exploitation through mining, logging, harmful agricultural projects, and environmental degradation. This dynamic challenges traditional indigenous culture while Papuans demand their right to self-determination.
_
visit our website at www.humanrightspapua.org
Our mailing address is:
International Coalition for Papua
Rudolfstraße 137
Wuppertal 42285
Germany