Comment by UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Indonesia (Papua and West Papua)
Geneva, 4 September 2019
“I have been disturbed by
escalating violence in the past two weeks in the Indonesian provinces of Papua
and West Papua, and especially the deaths of some protestors and security
forces personnel.
This is part of a trend we have observed since December 2018,
and we have been discussing our concerns with the Indonesian authorities.
There
should be no place for such violence in a democratic and diverse Indonesia, and
I encourage the authorities to engage in dialogue with the people of Papua and
West Papua on their aspirations and concerns, as well as to restore internet
services and refrain from any excessive use of force.
Blanket internet
shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression and limiting
communications may exacerbate tensions”.
“I welcome the appeals made by
President Widodo and other high-level figures against racism and discrimination
– a long-standing, serious issue in Papua and West Papua provinces – and their
calls for dialogue and calm.
I note that some arrests have been made and some
members of security forces have been suspended in relation to the original
violent attacks on Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang, but I am concerned
about reports that nationalist militias and groups are also actively involved
in the violence.
Local human rights defenders, students and journalists have
been facing intimidation and threats and should be protected”.
ENDS
For more information and media
requests, please contact: Rupert Colville - + 41 22 917 9767 /
rcolville@ohchr.org or Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / mhurtado@ohchr.org
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