This is a compilation of statements made by government representatives regarding West Papua. This includes statements made at United Nations meetings and various regional and sub-regional bodies regarding the conflict and human rights situation in West Papua or the human rights policies in Indonesia affecting the situation in West Papua. Any part of this compilation may be reused.
Statements by Year:
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Statements by Bodies:
UNHRC46| UNHRC45 | UNGA75 | UNHRC42 | UNGA 74 | UNGA73 | UNGA 72 | UNGA70 | UNGA68 | UNHRC25 | UNGA71 | UNHRC31 | UNHRC34 | UNHRC39
2021
UN General Assembly’s 76th Session
UN Human Rights Council’s 46th session
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary-General
The Netherlands: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Parliament
Spain: Spanish Senate – Foreign Affairs Committee
UN General Assembly’s 76th Session
Bob Loughman, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, addresses the general debate of the 76th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 21-27 September)
“One [Freedom] that is free from predominance of colonial rule, persecution and human rights abuses. In my region, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and West Papua are still struggling for self-determination. Drawing attention to the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples as stipulated in the UN Charter, it is important that the UN and the international community continue to support the relevant territories giving them an equal opportunity to determine their own statehood.”
“Mr, President,
There are widespread human rights violations around the world. In my region, the indigenous people of West Papua continue to suffer from human rights violations. The Pacific Form and ACP leaders, among other leaders, have called on the Indonesian Government to allow the United Nation’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua Province and to provide an independent assessment of the human rights situation. Today, there has been little progress on this plan. I hope the international community, through appropriate UN-led process, takes a serious look at this issue and addresses it fairly.”
James Marape, Prime Minister and Minister for Bougainville Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, addresses the general debate of the 76th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 21-27 September 2021)
“Whilst committing on the United Nation’s peace effort in Papua New Guinea, I would also like to recall the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum this early 2019 and the outstanding visit by United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms to address the human rights concerns in our regional neighbourhood. This visit is very important to ensure that the greater peoples of the region have peace in the respective sovereignties and their rights and cultural dignity are fully preserved and maintained.”
UN Human Rights Council 46th session
PIF SG statement to the high-level segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council: COVID-19, Climate Change, West Papua (24 Feb. 2021)
Madam President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for the opportunity to deliver a statement on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The Pacific Islands Forum brings together 18 Member states to protect the people, place, and prospects of our Blue Pacific Continent.
My statement today will highlight three Forum Leaders’ priorities – COVID-19 response and recovery; the climate change crisis; and human rights in West Papua (Papua).
COVID-19
Your Excellencies, Forum Leaders have recognised COVID-19 as a major crisis for our Blue Pacific region and are deeply concerned about its effects across the globe. Our Member States acted quickly to restrict the spread of COVID-19, putting in place exceptional national response measures and establishing the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19.
…. read more
We call on the Human Rights Council to ensure no one is left behind in rebuilding from COVID-19, and that all Members have the right to access medical supplies and vaccines at affordable prices.
Climate Change
While COVID-19 is our immediate crisis, Forum Leaders have reaffirmed climate change as the single greatest threat to our region. Currently, at 1.2 degree Celsius of global warming, our sea levels are rising, our ocean is warming, and more frequent and extreme weather events are inflicting damage and destruction. Indeed, four category 5 cyclones have hit our region since 2015, and just this year, three cyclones have already wreaked havoc in Fiji. Between 2008 and 2019, more than 616,000 new displacements have been recorded across the Pacific, from a total of 97 disaster events.
Today, I reiterate the call of our Forum Foreign Ministers and encourage the Human Rights Council to act swiftly and decisively to establish a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change.
West Papua (Papua)
Excellencies, the violent conflict and subsequent human rights violations in West Papua (Papua) has been a concern for the Pacific Island Forum Leaders for over 20 years. In 2016, it become a standing agenda item for Forum Leaders.
Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ focus on West Papua has been squarely on human rights – calling on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents, and to work to address the root causes of the conflict by peaceful means.
In recent years, the escalation of tension and alleged human rights violations on both sides of the conflict, particularly against innocent civilians, has deepened the collective concerns of the Leaders of the Pacific.
When our Leaders met in Tuvalu two years ago, they welcomed the invitation by the Government of Indonesia for a mission to West Papua by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and strongly encouraged both sides to finalise the timing of the visit. Leaders also called for an evidence-based report on the situation in West Papua to be provided before their next meeting.
We call on distinguished Council Members to encourage all relevant parties to urgently facilitate a mission to West Papua by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Just like climate change and other pertinent challenges to our Blue Pacific, the COVID-19 pandemic must not hinder our efforts to address critical issues.
I thank you.
The Netherlands: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Parliament
In response to a series of questions posed by parliamentarians from seven Dutch political parties: Voordewind (ChristenUnie), Karabulut (SP), Ploumen (PvdA), Van Raan (PvdD), Van Ojik (GroenLinks), Van Helvert (CDA) and Van der Staaij (SGP), about the human rights situation in West Papua, the Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Stef Blok stated on 12 January 2021 that it is important to have a visit by the High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua as soon as possible.
Spain: Spanish Senate – Foreign Affairs Committee
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Senate passed a motion on 18 March 2021 calling on the Spanish Government to express its concern about the human rights situation in West Papua and urging the Government to support a visit by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The motion was tabled by Basque Senator Gorka Elejabarrieta. It was passed with the support of PSOE, EH Bildu, ERC, Junts and PNV senators.
2020
UN General Assembly’s 75th Session
Indonesia’s 1st right to reply to Vanuatu statement
UN Human Rights Council’s 45th session
OACPS: 111th Session of the Council of Ministers of OACPS
United Kingdom: Minister of State
UN General Assembly’s 75th Session
Statement on West Papua presented by Mr Bob Loughman, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu at General debate of the 75th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 22 – 29 September 2020)
“… there are widespread human rights violations happening all around us and yet it seems the world is taking a selective approach to addressing these. In our region, the indigenous people of West Papua continue to suffer from human rights abuses. Last year, the Pacific Islands Forum respectfully called on the Indonesian gov to allow the UN Office of the Human Right Commissioner to visit West Papua province. To date, there has been little progress on this flank. I therefore called on the Indonesian government to please answer the previous call of the Pacific Leaders”.
Watch: Vanuatu – Prime Minister Addresses General Debate, 75th Session
1st Right of Reply by Indonesia, at the 75th Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 22 – 29 September 2020)
“Madam President,
I am taking the floor to exercise Indonesia’s right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu. It is shameful that this single country continues to have excessive and unhealthy obsession about how Indonesia should act or govern itself. Frankly speaking, I am confused. How could a country try to teach others while missing the point of the whole fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter?
Let me tell them the following. To do what is right is to respect the principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and to do what is right is to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. So, until you have done so, please keep the sermon to yourself.
Madam President,
The President of Indonesia stated a few days ago in this great hall of nations and I quote: ”We must promote a win-win approach in political relations among states that is mutually beneficial”. Indeed, such a call was echoed by world leaders throughout this prominent week, but this ignorant country chooses the contrary. At times of an emergency health crisis and great economic adversity, it prefers to instil enmity and sow division by guising their advocacy for separatism with flowery human rights concerns.
Indonesia, comprising of more than hundreds of ethnic groups – a diverse and multicultural nation with thousands of tribes and hundreds of local languages spreading across more than 17,400 islands – is committed to human rights. We value diversity, we respect tolerance and everybody has the same right in this third largest democratic country in the world.
We have also promoted and protected human rights where each individual has the same rights under the law. Furthermore, we have ratified the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. Well, Interestingly, Vanuatu has not even signed it. How could one talk about the rights of indigenous people when it does not even sign the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as a core human rights instrument. This actually raises the question, do they really care about indigenous concerns. More importantly, Vanuatu has not signed and ratified the convention against torture and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
We call on the Government of Vanuatu to fulfil their human rights responsibility to your people and to the world.
Madam President,
the accusation of human rights is typical of a doll tale that they sell and stage over the years in the hall. Let me tell them, you are no representation of the people of Papua and stop fantasizing of being one. Papuans are Indonesians. All of us play an important role in the development of Indonesia, including on the island of Papua.
Madam President,
the principles of the UN Charter which Vanuatu clearly does not seem to understand stipulates the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Indonesia will defend itself against any continuing advocacy of separatism conveyed under the guise of artificial human rights concern. The provinces of Papua and West Papua are irrevocable parts of Indonesia since 1945. It has also been firmly endorsed by the United Nations and the international community decades ago. It is final, irreversible and permanent.
I thank you Madam President.”
Watch full statement on YouTube
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Statement on the human rights situation in West Papua by the Republic of Vanuatu delivered on 26 September 2020 during the 45th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
“Thank you very much Madam President,
Vanuatu welcomes the work of the special rapporteur for the discussion and the current efforts towards the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right to of indigenous peoples. Vanuatu knows that the office of the high commissioner for human rights’ report does not discuss the violence and discrimination of indigenous peoples in West Papua, Province of Indonesia. The indigenous people of West Papua have the right to live a free life free from racial discrimination in dignity and according to their culture.
Unfortunately, these rights are being treated by a new wave of violence against West Papuans during the last weeks. It was reported a few days ago that the pastor of a local church was killed in the province of Intan Jaya by an Indonesian military unit. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. The world must acknowledge this unacceptable situation and the escalation of violent incidents must be condemned.
In this regard, the human rights committee under the international covenant of all civil and political rights on September 2nd this year requested the Indonesian Government to provide information on civil, political and other related human rights issues. Additionally, as read in the Pacific Leaders’ Forum in 2019, Vanuatu requests Indonesia to live up to its international human rights obligations and urgently facilitate a visit by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, so she can complete her report to the council on the situation in West Papua. I thank you.”
Watch full Vanuatu statement on YouTube
OACPS: 111th session of the Council of Ministers of OACPS
Brussels, 18 December 2020/OACPS: Meeting virtually on 14, 15 and 17 December 2020, the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) approved eight decisions and two resolutions on key issues affecting its Member States (MS) and pertaining to the administrative and financial management of the Organisation during the 111th session of the OACPS Council of Ministers.
Chaired by H.E. Prof. Palamagamba John Aidan Mwaluko Kabudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, United Republic of Tanzania, and President-in-Office of the OACPS Council of Ministers, the ministerial meeting brought together ministers, ambassadors and representatives from all of the OACPS’ 79 Member Countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Decisions
Following the reaching of a political deal between the OACPS and the EU on 3 December 2020, the Council of Ministers endorsed the Political Agreement of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement. Making his final presentation on the Negotiations, H.E. Prof. Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, the OACPS’ Chief Negotiator and Chair of the Ministerial Central Negotiating Group, described the new Agreement as “strategic, people-centred and a force for advancing multilateralism.”
….
Council received an update on the human rights situation in West Papua and called on the President of the OACPS Council of Ministers to write to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) to request an urgent mission to West Papua to provide an evidence-based, informed report on the human rights situation in that province as soon as possible.
United Kingdom: Minister of State
Responding to a question from Alex Sobel MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on West Papua, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Nigel Adams stated: “The UK supports a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (ONHCR) to Papua. Officials from the British Embassy have discussed the proposed visit (of) with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and continue to encourage the Indonesian Government to agree on dates as soon as possible. The former Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Heather Wheeler attended the Pacific Island Forum in August 2019, noting the communiqué. It is our longstanding position that we regard (the) Papua and West Papua provinces as being part of Indonesia and consider dialogue on territorial issues in Indonesia as a matter for the Indonesian people”.
2019
UN General Assembly’s 74th session
Indonesia’s 1st right to reply to Vanuatu statement
UN Human Rights Council’s 42nd Session
Vanuatu and Solomon Islands Statement on the human rights situation in West Papua
Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Communique
Statements by ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights
OACPS: 110th Session of the Council of Ministers of OACPS
UN General Assembly’s 74th Session
Statement on West Papua presented by PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU, Mr H.E. Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas at the 74th Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2019, New York
“Many countries in the world are now free from colonial rule; however, in my region, New Caledonia, French Polynesia and West Papua are still struggling for self-determination. Vanuatu calls on the administering Powers to respect the processes established by the United Nations that allow peoples to express their views on the self-determination of their country, such as in the recent referendum in New Caledonia. The same process should be followed in the case of French Polynesia.
Human rights violations are taking place in the world today. Vanuatu strongly condemns the human rights violations committed against the indigenous people of West Papua. We call for the United Nations system to be used to find solutions to these human rights abuses. Accordingly, the resolution of the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum calls on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the province of West Papua to conduct an assessment, supported by concrete evidence, of the human rights situation. Vanuatu supports this resolution, and calls on Indonesia, as a neighbouring and partner country in the region, to do the right thing and to act responsibly and authorize such a mission. I would like to recall the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of a human person and the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.”
Document available at https://undocs.org/en/A/74/PV.10 [Document Code: A/74/P V.10 (p. 19f)]
Statement on West Papua presented by the MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL TRADE OF SOLOMON ISLANDS, Mr Jeremiah Manele, at the 74th Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 29, 2019, New York
“With respect to the issue of West Papua, Solomon Islands aligns itself with the position of the Pacific Islands Forum. We reaffirm Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua. However, we remain concerned about the escalation of violence and the continued allegations of human rights abuses reported in West Papua. We welcome Indonesia’s invitation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit and conduct an independent assessment of human rights in West Papua. We encourage both parties to agree quickly on a date for such a visit to ensure that the outcome is reached as soon as possible.“
Document available at https://undocs.org/en/A/74/PV.9 [Document Code: A/74/PV.9 (p. 59)]
Statement on West Papua presented by DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU, Mr Minute Alapati Taupo, at the 74th Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2019, New York
“Likewise, the United Nations must engage with the people of West Papua to find lasting solutions to their struggle. I want to acknowledge and welcome the invitation by Indonesia for a mission to West Papua by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
Document available at https://undocs.org/en/A/74/PV.11 [Document Code: A/74/P V.11 (p. 23)]
Indonesia’s first right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu at the 74th Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2019, New York
“Mr President,
I am taking the floor to exercise Indonesia’s right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu. But before I continue, allow me to introduce myself. I am from the eastern part of Indonesia, a neighbouring island of Papua. I am also a Melanesian of origin. As an Indonesian with Melanesian roots, I can tell you we do not like to be clustered, we do not like to be categorized, or worst divided by another faraway country.
Papua is, has and will always be part of Indonesia. Vanuatu keeps on questioning Papua and its place in Indonesia. Now, let me ask this of them: Have you ever bothered to have a deeper look into the legal and historical facts on the status of Papua as an integral part of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia? If not, I suggest that you read all the historical files. If the answer is ‘yes’ I invite you once again to read all the facts until you have a clear picture of the status of Papua. Correct and appropriate understanding of the legal and historical facts is crucial so that Vanuatu does not repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
Let me again remind our friend with a simple legal fact. Papua has since the very beginning – since the declaration of Indonesian independence been a part of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia. It is a done deal. This was further reaffirmed by the General Assembly in 1969 through Resolution 2504.
We can not help but wonder how on earth that in this age of globalisation there is still a country that devotes its foreign policy to instil enmity and division on another country.
Mr President allow me to stress several points. First, I would like to remind our friend, the charter teaches us principles and values that must be respected by all countries without exception. It is the obligation of every country to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. Indonesia fails to understand that there is one country that continues to show its support for separatist groups which cost the loss of lives of innocent civilians. I call such action state-sponsored separatism and I would like to ask a very simple question. Can this ever be justified under international law and particularly under the UN Charter? The answer is a big no. As for Indonesia, our foreign policy is clear. We will always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and not meddle in other countries affairs.
Secondly, Indonesia is obliged to inform members of the United Nations of the motive behind the statement and action of this irresponsible country. Vanuatu wants to give an impression to the world of its concern for the human rights issues while the real and only motive is to support a separatism agenda. Vanuatu continues to carry out provocative measures inter alia by advocating baseless unfounded promise of self-determination. What Vanuatu does not realize is that its provocation has created empty hopes and even triggered conflicts. This is a very irresponsible act. Your provocation, Vanuatu, has resulted in infrastructure damage which belong to everyday Indonesian peoples. Hundreds of homes burnt down. Public facilities destroyed. Worst of all – lives of innocent civilians also perished.
Mr President, no country has a perfect human rights account, but let me assure you once again that Indonesia – like other countries – is committed to promote and protect the human rights of all its people, including in Papua. In a democratic country like Indonesia, what the government does is always scrutinized by the people, including by its independent credible national human rights institutions.
Lastly, Indonesia is a pluralistic country and we will remain a pluralistic. We will respect all differences, we will respect the customs, the local wisdom of each and every ethnic group in Indonesia. These ethnicities make up one Indonesia. I am Melanesia, I am Indonesia, Kita semua bersaudara. Thank you.”
Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6sqfG3Hms8
UN Human Rights Council Session 42
Joint Vanuatu and Solomon Islands Statement on the human rights situation in West Papua on 17 September 2019 at the 42nd Regular Session of the UNHRC
“Thank you, Mr President,
Vanuatu makes this statement on behalf of the Republic Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu and Solomon Islands would like to thank the High Commissioner for the reporting of human rights violations issues that need to be addressed by the council.
We share the concerns raised by the High Commissioner and urge all states to uphold the fundamental principles of human rights. We are proud to be at the forefront of advocating and engaging with other states to promote and protect human rights.
Related to this agenda, we are concerned about the Indonesian Government’s delay in confirming a time and date for the human rights commissioner to conduct its visit to West Papua. We are deeply concerned about human rights violations through the censoring of freedom of expression and assembly as well as racial discrimination towards Papuans of the Melanesian peoples of the provinces of Papua and West Papua.
The 2019 Pacific islands Forum Leaders Communiqué calls on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents and to work to address the root causes of the conflict by peaceful means. The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders also strongly encourage both, Indonesia and the High Commissioner for human rights, to finalize the timing of the visit to West Papua and submit an evidence-based report on the situation before the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in 2020.
We call on the High Commissioner and the Government of Indonesia to expedite this arrangement so an assessment of the current situation is made, and a report can be submitted to the Human Rights Council for its consideration.
I thank you for your attention. Mr President “
Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuE1ygh9L9U
Pacific Islands Forum Communique adopted during 50th Pacific Islands Forum in Funafuti, Tuvalu, 13-16 August 2019
“West Papua (Papua)
35. Leaders reaffirmed recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua (Papua). Leaders acknowledged the reported escalation in violence and continued allegations of human rights abuses in West Papua (Papua) and agreed to re-emphasise and reinforce the Forum’s position of raising its concerns over the violence.
36. Leaders called on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents and to work to address the root causes of the conflict by peaceful means. Further, Leaders agreed to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with Indonesia on the issue of alleged human rights abuses and violations in West Papua (Papua).
37. Leaders welcomed the invitation by Indonesia for a mission to West Papua (Papua)by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and strongly encouraged both sides to finalise the timing of the visit and for an evidence-based, informed report on the situation to be provided before the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in 2020.”
Document available at https://www.forumsec.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/50th-Pacific-Islands-Forum-Communique.pdf [p. 6]
Indonesia: MPs call for an immediate end to violence in Papua
“To avoid the situation from spiralling out of control and more people paying a deadly cost, protesters and the Indonesian security forces must all refrain from using violence, To avoid the situation from spiralling out of control and more people paying a deadly cost, protesters and the Indonesian security forces must all refrain from using violence […]. The Indonesian government’s decision to restrict data communication again will do nothing to ease the situation, but only hinders all parties from getting reliable information to ensure their safety.” (Walden Bello, former Philippine parliament member & APHR member, 25.09.2019)
“Protestors have been demonstrating for weeks now but are still not being heard. Indonesia cannot claim to be resolving the unrest by jailing human rights defenders and political activists. Those who are peacefully expressing their political views must be protected from any forms of harassment, retaliation, and intimidation,” (Charles Santiago, Malaysian parliament member & APHR Chairman, 25.09.2019)
Source: ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (25.09.2019): Indonesia: MPs call for an immediate end to violence in Papua, available at https://aseanmp.org/2019/09/25/call-immediate-end-violence-papua/
OACPS: 110th Session of the Council of Ministers of OACPS
The ACP Council of Ministers, meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, on 7 December 2019,… calls on the parties concerned to:
1. Conduct a mission to West Papua and provide an evidence-based, informed report on the human rights situation before the next meeting of the PIF.
2. Give international media access to West Papua, to provide independent coverage of the human rights situation ahead of their next meeting of the PIF
3. Work together to address the root causes of the conflict in West Papua by peaceful means, and protect and uphold the human rights of all residents in West Papua; and
4. Seek to include the human rights situation in West Papua as a standing item on the agenda of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
2018
UN General Assembly’s 73rd Session
Indonesia’ s 1st right to reply to Vanuatu statement
UN Human Rights Council’s 39th Session
Vanuatu Statement on enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention
Vanuatu statement on indigneous peoples
UN General Assembly’s 73rd Session
Statement on West Papua presented by PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU, Mr H.E. Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas at the 73rd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2018, New York
“Madam President,
the international community has witnessed violence and violations of human rights that have been suffered by the people of West Papua. We call on the human rights council to invest in these human rights abuses. We also call on our fellow leaders of the world to pay greater attention to these inhuman acts and together with Indonesia put an end to all forms of violence and find common ground with the population to establish a process that will allow them to freely express their choice.”
Video and full statement available at https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/vanuatu
Statement on West Papua presented by PRIME MINISTER OF SOLOMON ISLANDS, Mr Ricky Nelson Houenipwela at the 73rd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2018, New York
“Solomon Islands reaffirms that human rights principles are universal, indivisible, interrelated and must be treated in a fair manner. All states have the moral duty and responsibility to uphold, respect and promote human rights and; where necessary take preventive protective and punitive measures against human rights abuses and violations.
Solomon Islands recognises and respects Indonesia’s sovereignty over its territorial boundaries. My Government commits to work with the Government of Indonesia on areas of mutual interest including human rights concerns in Papua and West Papua.”
Video and full statement available at https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/solomon-islands
Statement on West Papua presented by PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU, Mr Enele Sosene Sopoaga at the 73rd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2018, New York
“Likewise, our United Nations must engage with the people of West Papua to find lasting solutions to their struggles.”
Video and full statement available at https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/tuvalu
Statement on West Papua presented by PRESIDENT OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS, Mrs Hilda Heine at the 73rd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2018, New York
“Madame President,
Decolonization and human rights are both important issues in the Pacific islands region. I strongly affirm the position of the Pacific Island Forum Leaders in recognizing the constructive engagement by Forum countries with Indonesia with respect to elections and human rights in West Papua, and the commitment to continue dialogue in an open and constructive manner.”
Video and full statement available at https://gadebate.un.org/en/73/marshall-islands
Indonesia’s first right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu at the 73rd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2018, New York
“Thank you very much, Mr President,
my delegation takes the floor to exercise Indonesia’s right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu. Indonesia condemns the slander and baseless comments that the delegation of Vanuatu made in its statement this morning when referring to the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. These accusations are not only undermining the sanctity of friendly relations among nations and non-interference but also violating the principles of the UN charter.
Mr. President,
For many years, Vanuatu has tried to sell the following fraudulent ideas – that there are fraudulent, systematic, human rights violations, negligence of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and that the people in these provinces are racially different and thus do not belong to Indonesia. This country accuse that based on these factors injected into their minds by criminal individuals that the two provinces have to be debated at the United Nations. We fail to understand the motive behind Vanuatu’s intention in supporting a group of people who have struck terror and mayhem on so many occasions, creating fatalities and sadness to innocent families of their own communities.
Indonesia categorically rejects any efforts to disturb peace, stability and growth enjoyed by the people of Papua and West Papua and would like to state the following points: First, accusing Indonesia of committing gross violations of human rights and inhuman acts is a serious and unacceptable accusation. No country in this world is free of human rights violations or development challenges, but accusing others of human rights violations while one has so many problems of his own is like the pot calling the kettle black. Vanuatu, which gave the potential of championing human rights, is only party to a few human rights instruments. Indonesia on the other hand, is party to eight out of the nine instruments. Interestingly, Vanuatu has not ratified the International Convention on the eradication of all forms of racial discrimination while Indonesia has done so way back. Indonesia is a diverse and multicultural nation comprising of more than hundreds of ethnic groups, thousands of tribes and hundreds of local languages. We neither define ourselves on the basis of racial purity, nor are we a single ethnic group. We reject racial discrimination in Indonesia. Now if we follow the irresponsible premise and logic of Vanuatu, then the world will consist of tens of thousands of countries noting the multitude of race and ethnicity in the world. Now, just to remind Vanuatu that the customary international law deriving from the Montevideo Convention of 1933 on the rights and duties of states clearly stipulated four elements that define a country, namely first population, second territory, thirdly government and fourthly capacity to enter into relations with other states. Never – I repeat never – has been stated that ethnicity or race is an underlying reason for the right to be a country.
Secondly, let me provide Vanuatu with a short lesson of our history. Almost fifty years ago to this very same forum, in this very same room, with resolution coming from this same august chamber, we – all of us – as the United Nations have decided on the final status of Papua as a rightful and legitimate part of Indonesia. The General Assembly Resolution 2504 of 1969 recognizing the successful implementation of the act of free choice was adopted with no single country voting against the same resolution. The people of Papua reaffirmed their place and unity with Indonesia. In other words – what Vanuatu is propagating is nothing more than an outrageous challenge to the decision by the United Nations – the decision of the then 128 members almost half a century ago.
Mr President,
Indonesia and every responsible member of the United Nations upholds the principles of its charter dearly. For that reason, Vanuatu supporting individuals with separatist agenda against Indonesia undeniably violates the principle of the UN charter and thus must be denounced. Without shame, since last year, Vanuatu incorporated those individuals as official members into their delegation. Such actions are tantamount to acts of hostility and have no place at the UN system – I repeat – no place. A country that supports separatists and dismemberment of a country should not sit in a law-abiding and decent family of nations – enough is enough. We couldn’t care less what the motives are, but we know for sure that Indonesia will firmly and strongly its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its dignity – let that be known. I thank you Mr President.”
Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZVOvv6NIuE&t=317s
UN Human Rights Council Session 39
Vanuatu Statement on Enforced Disappearances and Arbitrary Detention on 12 September 2018 at the 39th Regular Session of the UNHRC
“The Republic of Vanuatu wishes to thank the Working Group on enforced disappearance and the Working Group on arbitrary detention for their important work investigating cases of arbitrary detention and in assisting families to determine the fate of their disappeared family members.
Vanuatu wishes to highlight an issue of regional concern in the Pacific which does not attract sufficient attention here in this Council or from UN special procedures. Vanuatu raises its concern with ongoing enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention directed at the indigenous people of West Papua, particularly against those exercising internationally protected rights to speak out about West Papua’s claim to self-determination.
As Tapol reported – in the first week of September alone – 93 West Papuans were unlawfully and arbitrarily arrested and detained for engaging in peaceful protests in West Papua. Vanuatu is concerned that many were arrested for participating in protests in support of the work of Vanuatu and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held last week. Independent NGO’s have demonstrated that such detentions are discriminatory because they target certain Papuans in violation of freedom of speech and therefore fall within the Working Group’s definition of arbitrary detention.
Vanuatu condemns Indonesia’s continued practice of arbitrary arrest and detention of indigenous Papuans exercising their internationally protected rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Vanuatu notes the concern raised by the Working Group on Indonesia’s failure to respond to its request for a visit.
Vanuatu calls upon Indonesia to allow access to UN special mechanisms to be able to address and report upon this systematic and ongoing problem.
Mr President,
A polish national and West Papuan student have been jailed because they have posted a video clip on Facebook in West Papua.
I wanted to ask whether posting a video clip on Facebook could be considered treason?
Thank you”
Vanuatu Statement on situation of Indigenous Peoples in West Papua on 19 September 2018 at the 39th Regular Session of the UNHRC
“The Republic of Vanuatu would like to thank the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for their work in promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of indigenous peoples.
With regard to the annual report of the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, I would like to draw your attention to the situation in West Papua.
According to the International Coalition for Papua, the past three years shows a pattern of cases of intimidation and attacks against Papuan human rights defenders. Clearly, the Indonesian government has not yet achieved any significant improvement concerning the protection of human rights defenders. Human rights defenders in West Papua live in fear of being subjected to coercive measures, aimed at obstructing their work, including surveillance, criminalization, treason-stigmatization and threats to physical integrity. During the past year, indigenous human rights defenders, whether defending their ancestral lands like in South Sorong or Boven Digoel, or defending fundamental human rights by exposing unjustifiable sweeping, torture, house-burning against civilians by security forces in remote areas like villages in Mimika or Nduga, and other violations such as illegal mining in Koroway, have been facing criminalization by Indonesian authorities. As the Special Rapporteur has pointed out, this forms a serious impediment of the local rights defenders’ ability to express their concerns, which otherwise will never get into public attention as Indonesia has not fulfilled its promise to grant access of foreign journalists into the region. The severely restricted environment for human rights defenders in West Papua is further fueled by widespread impunity and the lack of adequate government policies aimed at providing protection to indigenous rights defenders.
Vanuatu respectfully requests the Special Rapporteur to pay attention to the recent reports of NGO’s of human rights violations of the indigenous people of West Papua as well as information which might contribute to the study on free and prior consent by EMRIP.”
2017
Solomon Islands Statement on West Papua at HRC General Debate
Press Release on West Papua Statement at ACP Council Meeting
Statements by the deputy speaker of the Uganda Parliament
UN Human Rights Council’s 34th Session
1st Reply of Indonesia to Vanuatu
UN General Assembly’s 72nd Session
Solomon Islands Statement
Vanuatu Statement
Tuvalu Statement
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Statement
Indonesia’s first right of reply
European Parliament Resolution on Indonesia
Solomon Islands Statement on West Papua at the General Debate of the 36th Regular Session of the UNHRC
“Thank you, Mr. Vice President,
Solomon Islands would like to draw the attention of the council to the human rights situation in West Papua. We are deeply concerned that Indonesian military and police continue to suppress the indigenous people in West Papua to freely exercise their rights to freedom of opinion and of expression and their rights to peaceful assembly and of association.
Between July and August of this year alone, more than 300 indigenous West Papuans were arrested and in some cases severely beaten during peaceful assembly. This goes to demonstrate the widespread human rights violations committed by the Indonesian military and police. Cases of extra-judicial killings of indigenous West Papuans continue to be committed and the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice and held accountable for these crimes.
Mr. President,
Solomon islands remains deeply concerned that the transmigration policy and the poor health condition along with other human rights violations has led to a drastic decline of indigenous people of West Papua over the years from 96% to less than 42% today as reported to the early warning appeal to the Commission on Elimination of Racial Discrimination by an NGO.
Mr. President,
Solomon Islands therefore urges the Government of Indonesia to establish a constructive dialogue with indigenous West Papuans to address the root causes of these human rights violations. We also call on the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions to visit West Papua. Thank you.”
Video available at http://webtv.un.org/watch/item4-general-debate-contd-18th-meeting-36th-regular-session-human-rights-council-/5581732708001/?term=#
Press Release: Joint Statement of Pacific Nations at the Council of Ministers of the 79-member Africa Caribbean Pacific Group of States (ACP) in Brussels on 3 May 2017
“For Immediate Release:
The issue of human rights violations and self-determination in West Papua rose to its highest international level in nearly fifty years, as a coalition of Pacific Island nations raised the case of the Indonesian-ruled territory at the 79-member Africa, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States and asked the assembled governments to join their advocacy.
3 May 2017
Brussels, Belgium – The Pacific Island nations of Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau and the Marshall Islands delivered a hard-hitting joint statement today condemning Indonesia’s human rights violations, including crimes against humanity, at the Council of Ministers of the 79-member Africa Caribbean Pacific Group of States (ACP) and called for an eventual resolution that includes support of the right of West Papuan political self-determination.
The statement, made by Johnny Koanapo, a high-ranking member of the Republic of Vanuatu parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, transfixed the packed council room as he graphically described Indonesia’s violations and West Papuans’ “slow-motion genocide.”
West Papua, the western half of New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island, has been under Indonesian rule since the 1960s.
Koanapo said that the seven Pacific nations were “very concerned [that] the international community had neglected the voices of the Papuan people over the last 50 years.”
The ACP, he stated, was the right place to seek further support for the plight of West Papua because African and Caribbean countries are “the oldest defenders of West Papua’s right to self-determination” and consistently tried to defend the Melanesian West Papuans as they “were passed from one colonizer to another” more than a half-century ago. The ACP, which was founded in 1975, is comprised of almost all former colonies themselves.
As some among the hundreds of country delegates and staff nodded in strong agreement, Koanapo called Indonesian governance and massive state-backed settlement an “Apartheid-like colonial rule” that was “slowly but surely” going to wipe out the West Papuans as a people “while… the world stood by.”
Estimates of indigenous West Papuans killed during Indonesia’s rule range from 10 and 25 per cent of the population, he said, several hundred thousand people. He added that Indonesia’s own National Commission on Human Rights has described its country’s actions as crimes against humanity.
Koanapo contended that according to numerous reports “those deaths and all the associated acts – the violent arrests of non-violent protestors, the beatings, the torture, rape, disappearances, extra-judicial executions, intimidation of the local Papuan media, the barring of foreign media from the territory – have continued through the 20 years of [Indonesian] democracy.” However, Koanapo added: “this forgotten race [is] still fighting.”
Under a policy of state-supported population movement, more than two million Indonesians have also settled in the territory. They now outnumber the indigenous Papuans and dominate the economy and almost every arena of life in the cities, towns, coastal areas and growing zones of mining, logging, gas and oil production and plantation agriculture.
After the meeting, Koanapo stated that the day’s discussion “now sets up the great likelihood of a resolution on the full range of West Papua issues at the next ACP ministerial council meeting”, which is scheduled for this coming November. A number of ministers and ambassadors later approached Koanapo to thank him for his “extraordinarily powerful” speech.
During the past several years, the coalition of Pacific Island nations, echoing the West Papuans, has argued in regional and international venues that Indonesian violations will not be ended by focusing just on human rights. There needs to be a proper act of self-determination or the conflict, which damages Indonesia, as well as West Papua, will continue indefinitely. The ACP appears to be coming to the same conclusion.
This is the fourth round of ACP discussions and sharing of information on West Papua. ACP meetings at the subcommittee and ambassadorial level during the past two months have elicited almost universal affirmations of strong support for West Papuan self-determination among delegates from Africa and the Caribbean.
At today’s Council of Ministers, the Papua New Guinea ambassador Joshua Kalinoe, whose country shares a 760km-long border with its powerful Indonesian neighbour, was the only delegate to speak against ACP moving forward on such a resolution in the months ahead. The PNG ambassador conceded that “no one is denying that the human rights violations are going on.” He suggested that a fact-finding mission to West Papua might be necessary for the ACP to get a clearer picture of the situation.
Ambassador Alfredo Lopez Cabral from Guinea-Bissau spoke directly after the PNG ambassador, comparing the plight of West Papua to East Timor, which Indonesia violently invaded and occupied for 24 years. More than one-quarter of East Timor’s population reportedly died as a direct result of Indonesian rule. Guinea-Bissau and other former Portuguese African colonies were leaders in the long campaign on behalf of East Timor, which had earlier been a colony of Portugal, and is now the independent country of Timor Leste. Ambassador Cabral said that there was “no reason why the ACP shouldn’t take up the issue and help” West Papua gain a similar referendum on independence to what East Timor finally received after the fall of Indonesia’s Suharto dictatorship in 1998 and mounting international pressure.
West Papua, a former Dutch colony, has been an official part of Indonesia since 1969, when Indonesia undermined the referendum among hundreds of thousands eligible West Papuans that was stipulated in the 1962 bilateral treaty transferring the territory to provisional Indonesian administration.
West Papuans have long argued that they are geographically, racially and culturally part of the Melanesian Pacific, not Asian Indonesia. During the 1940s and 1950s, even leaders of the Indonesian independence movement, such as Mohammed Hatta, his country’s first vice-president, stated that Papua had not been part of the Indonesian struggle and needed to become a separate nation. At the time, observers expected West Papua to become the first independent Pacific Island nation.”
Download ACP Press Release as PDF File
Statements on West Papua by the deputy speaker of the Uganda Parliament, Mr Jacob Oulanyah during ULMWP Lobby Meeting on 7 April 2017
”We will do whatever our parliament and the nation can to ensure that by the end of June this year the resolution is heard and discussed at the UN. […] The Parliament can also identify different legislators to propose the motion, support and debate it in House. We can send the resolutions to the other East African Parliaments including the intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Eastern Africa countries.”
(The New Vision (07.04.2017): Uganda parliament pledges support for West Papua independence, e-document available at http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1450567/uganda-parliament-pledges-support-west-papua-independence)
Download ‘The New Vision’ Article as PDF File
UN Human Rights Council Session 34
Statement on West Papua delivered by the MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Hon. Ronald K Warsal during the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council on 1st March 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland
“Mr. President
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Republic of Vanuatu is very pleased to address this meeting.
Today, I am speaking on behalf of both Vanuatu and six other nations of our Pacific region: Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and the Solomon Islands
Mr President, we seven have come together today – and in a separate written joint statement – in order to draw the attention of the distinguished members of the UN Human Rights Council to the grave situation in West Papua.
Mr President, specifically, we focus your attention on a number of recent pronouncements by mandate holders of this Council about serious Indonesian violations of the human rights of indigenous Papuans:
- The recent joint letter issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
- The Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association;
- The Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples;
- The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; and
- The Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
We also draw attention to other accounts of Indonesian state violence in West Papua, including:
- communications from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, referring to killings and arrests of Papuans;
- numerous well-documented reports of extrajudicial executions of activists and the arrests, beatings and fatal shootings of peaceful demonstrators, including high school students; and
- reports of persistent violence against Papuan women.
We note that in the last fifteen years the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights has collected evidence of gross human rights violations by Indonesian security forces in three principal areas of West Papua: Wasior, Wamena, and Paniai. The Commission has described the sets of cases in the first two places as crimes against humanity, which are punishable under Indonesian and international laws.
We want further to highlight another broad aspect of human rights violations – the Indonesian government policy over many decades and continuing until today of the migration of non-indigenous Papuans to West Papua, leading to a dramatic decline in the percentage of the indigenous Papuan population.
Mr President, to date, the government of Indonesia has, however, not been able to curtail or halt these various and widespread violations. Neither has that government been able to deliver justice for the victims. Nor has there been any noticeable action to address these violations by the Indonesian government, which has, of course, immediate responsibility and primary accountability.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government has consistently been unable to submit the required periodic human right reports and reviews, which are an essential international norm by which the United Nations secretariat and member states monitor human rights around the world. These written assessments are critical to identifying and eradicating torture, racial discrimination and human rights violations generally.
Mr President, in light of these violations and the Indonesian government’s inaction, we call on the UN Human Rights Council to request the High Commissioner for Human Rights to produce a consolidated report on the actual situation in West Papua.
The High Commissioner’s report needs to take account of the information in existing Treaties, Special Procedures, and the Universal Periodic Review, as well as reports from other international and regional organizations and non-governmental organizations.
The report should also detail the various rights under the International Bill of Human Rights and the related conventions, including the right to self-determination.
And the report must make recommendations for immediate action to halt the pattern of human rights violations as attested to by the numerous Special Procedures and other bodies noted earlier.
Finally, we ask for full and unreserved cooperation with the High Commissioner in the fulfilment of this mandate, including the provision by Indonesian authorities of complete access to any persons in West Papua deemed appropriate to meet in the compilation of this report.
Mr President, as I close, we believe that challenges of West Papua must be brought back to the agenda of the United Nations. Thank you once again for the opportunity to express my views in this forum. Long God Yumi Stanap. In God we stand. Thank you.”
Download Vanuatu Statement as PDF File
1st Right of Reply by Indonesia during the 34th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva towards the Previous Statement by Vanuatu
“… Indonesia’s protection of human rights speaks for itself. This includes our cooperation with various UN Special procedures and mandate holders as well as collaborative endeavours on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels including within the human rights council in strengthening the human rights mechanism as well as the protection and promotion of various basic human rights. As a matter of fact, Indonesia will receive visits of two special rapporteurs this year and we will present our third UPR report this coming May. We would like to reiterate that as a democratic country with a constitutional rule of law the Indonesian Government has always endeavoured to address any allegation of human rights violation as well as taking preventive measures in delivering justice. In this regard, it is the expressed commitment of the Government of Indonesia to continuously promote the fulfilment of the rights of its people in Papua. Contrary to the claims made by Vanuatu, much progress has been achieved to realize this objective.
We deeply regret that the Government of Vanuatu is blatantly using human rights issues to justify its dubious support for the separatist movement in Papua. The statement made by the Government of Vanuatu put in question the commitment of the government to comply with the basic principles of the UN as enshrined in its charter as well as its compliance to various relevant international laws. The Government of Vanuatu should not divert its focus from addressing various domestic human rights problems by politicizing the issue of Papua for its domestic political purposes. In this regard, the Indonesian Government is prepared to work and cooperate with the Government of Vanuatu in the efforts to address various human rights violations against the people of Vanuatu, such as violence against women, corporal punishment against minors, appalling prison conditions including the torture of prisoners and other challenges. I thank you.”
UN General Assembly’s 72nd Session
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF SOLOMON ISLANDS, Mr Manasseh Sogavare at the 72nd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2017, New York
“Mr President,
Solomon Islands position on the aforementioned issues are premised on principles that we have consistently upheld. In this connection, Solomon Islands condemns the consistent human rights violations in West Papua.
Our Sustainable Development Goals that promote the notion of “no-one left behind” is synonymous with empty promises unless we, in the United Nations, take active steps to address the plight of the peoples of West Papua.
Indeed, we have left them behind some 50 years ago when we, as a Family of Nations, noted their plight without much to add. Since then, the peoples of West Papua were never allowed the proper act of self-determination guaranteed by the inalienable right to self-determination as expressed in UN human rights Covenants. Only international action – by individual countries and from the leading organizational bodies of the international system, especially the United Nations General Assembly – can pave the way for the recognition of a people whose right to self-determination had been denied for nearly fifty years ago. Failing this, we as a Family of Nations will become complicit in perpetuating the suffering and being blind to the injustice; missing yet another golden opportunity to remain true to the saying of “leaving no-one behind.
At the 71st session, a group of Pacific Island nations called for this august body to address the human rights violations in West Papua. Today, I stand on behalf of my people and those in the Pacific region to reiterate that same call on this august body to address the plight of West Papuan women, children and men.
Our people are watching, West Papuans inside West Papua are watching, praying and are hoping for a brighter future. They have come in numbers to express their hope for a better future. We as leaders have this responsibility of “leaving NO-ONE BEHIND”.
I would therefore encourage Indonesia to engage in more constructive dialogue, including with West Papua to find a way forward in addressing the aspirations of the people of West Papua. I urge the UN to proactively engage in these dialogues as well. […]”
Full Statement available at https://www.unmultimedia.org/avlibrary/asset/1977/1977321/
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU, Mr Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas at the 72nd Session at the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2017 New York
“[translated from French] Mr President,
for half a century now, the international community has been witnessing a whole panoply of torture, murder, exploitation, sexual violence, arbitrary detention inflicted on the nationals of West Papua perpetrated by Indonesia, but the international community turned a deaf ear on the appeals for help. We urge the human rights council to investigate these cases. We also call on our counterparts throughout the world to support the legal right of West Papua to self-determintion and to jointly with Indonesia put an end to all kinds of violence and find common ground with the nationals putting together a process which will enable them to freely express their choice.[…]”
Full Statement available at https://www.unmultimedia.org/avlibrary/asset/1976/1976046/
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU, Mr Enele Sosene Sopoaga at the 72nd Session at the United Nations General Assemblyon September 21, 2017 New York
“Of similar concerns, the people of West Papua should be enabled to exercise their fundamental right, with the intervention of this responsible body, to allow them to determine their own development aspirations and future. The West Papuans are a distinct people with Pacific roots, with their own land, history and identity. The violation of human rights in West Papua is a constant matter of great concern to us. Tuvalu strongly believes the UN must engage in setting a clear pathway to addressing these issues and the issue of self-determination of the people.[…]”
Full Statement available at https://www.unmultimedia.org/avlibrary/asset/1975/1975843/
Statement on West Papua Presented by DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, Mr Louis Straker at the 72nd Session at the United Nations General Assemblyon September 22, 2017 New York
“Mr. President,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was honoured to host the 2017 Caribbean Regional Seminar on Decolonisation, consistent with our responsibilities as one of the many Caribbean and Pacific small island States, and former colonies in Africa and Asia, whose self-determination was achieved under the watchful eye of the United Nations. The “inconvenient truth” is that the decolonisation process remains incomplete, and an intensification of effort is essential in achieving the goal of full self-government through the attainment of a legitimate political status option providing for “absolute political equality.” This principle must be the guiding standard applicable to the small island territories, just as they were the standards to decolonise other former colonies. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains fully seized of this issue and was pleased to play its role in completing the unfinished business of decolonisation through the hosting of this 2017 seminar, and previous seminars in 2011 and 2005. It is in this in this spirit, that we have great sympathy for the legitimate aspirations of the people of West Papua for freedom and independence through legitimate political means to cover themselves and guide their own destiny. […]”
Full Statement available at https://www.unmultimedia.org/avlibrary/asset/1977/1977498/
1st Right of Reply by Indonesia at General Debate of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 19 – 25 September 2017) towards the statements made by Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines concerning Papua and West Papua
“Mr President,
The delegation of Indonesia is compelled to exercise our right of reply to respond to the statements made by Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, echoed by Tuvalu and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines concerning Papua and West Papua.
Mr President, it is one time too many that hoax and false allegations are circulated by individuals that are economically motivated by separatist agenda of Papua and their supporters. Time and time again, the same fabricated and false accusations are thrown at us. These countries are sadly blindfolded. They fail to understand – or more precisely – refuse to understand: The provinces of Papua and West Papua have undergone massive development and progress. During the past three years 4.325 kilometers of roads were built, 30 new sea ports, seven new airports, 2.8 million Papuans have free basic health care, 360.000 Papuan students have free education with the economy growing at 9.21 % – all make Papua and West Papau provinces the fastest growing regions in Indonesia.
Mr President, Papua and West Papua provinces are an integral and sovereign part of Indonesia. They will always remain an integral part of Indonesia. These countries were foolishly deceived by individuals – I repeat, by individuals – with separatist agenda to exploit the issue of human rights. If human rights are at the heart of the issue why were these concerns not raised in the appropriate forum, namely the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia at the United Nations Human Rights Council. If Indonesia has anything to hide on human rights issues in this day and age of open technology, by now everybody will know if such accusations even exist.
Mr President, Indonesia fails to understand how countries continue to support activities of separatism in other countries – or is this a way to hide from ones own domestic problems. Are these countries’ human rights track records perfect? Obviously, their motivation in this august body is to dismember the territorial integrity of a sovereign and independent nation. Such actions are illegal, must not be condoned and violate the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We can not let this happen, we can not let this continue on. Indonesia categorically rejects all accusations made by these countries and the individuals with separatist agenda operating behind them.
Mr President, I would like conclude by quoting an old proverb in Indonesia that says “menepuk air di dulang, terpercik muka sendiri” or loosely translated to if you slap the water in a bucket then be careful that the water will splash all over your own face.
I thank you Mr President.”
Full Statement may be viewed at http://webtv.un.org/topics-issues/watch/indonesia-1st-right-of-reply/5586181926001/?term=
European Parliament Resolution 2017/2506(RSP) on Indonesia adopted on 19th January 2017 in Strasbourg
“D. whereas on 19 December 2016 Hosea Yeimo and Ismael Alua, two Papuan political activists, were detained and charged with ‘rebellion’ under the Indonesian Criminal Code, following peaceful political activities; whereas Hosea Yeimo and Ismael Alua were released on bail on 11 January 2017; whereas legal proceedings of the case continue; whereas, if convicted, they can face up to life imprisonment;
E. whereas President Joko Widodo has promised Papuans a change, beginning with ‘an open dialogue for a better Papua’, and has undertaken to stop disproportionate use of force and human rights abuses; whereas the President has visited Papua four times since his election in 2014; whereas he recently ordered the release of a large number of Papuan detainees as a gesture of appeasement;
[…]
G. whereas freedom of thought, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, freedom of religion, the right not to be arbitrarily arrested or detained, and the right not to be tortured are fundamental and inalienable freedoms and rights;
[…]
2. Is concerned about the growing intolerance in Indonesia towards ethnic, religious and sexual minorities; strongly condemns all acts of violence, harassment and intimidation against minorities, as well as impunity for such acts, and condemns the increased abuse of existing regulations in order to discriminate, prosecute and imprison members of religious minorities, traditional religions, and ethnic and sexual minorities;
3. Welcomes Indonesia’s insights on countering violent extremism and its experience in this regard, based on the promotion of a tolerant society and interfaith dialogues; notes the efforts of Indonesia to sustain its democracy, respect human rights and recall its ‘unity in diversity’; stresses the need to ensure the protection of all human rights, particularly those of minority and vulnerable groups, ensuring non-discrimination in their exercise of the freedoms of religion or belief, opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly;
[…]
7. Encourages the Government of Indonesia to take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights of peaceful activists are protected, and to ensure that an enabling environment is created for the realisation of freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful demonstration;
8. Welcomes the release on bail of Hosea Yeimo and Ismael Alua on 11 January 2017; notes that the legal proceedings of the case will continue; calls on the Delegation of the EU to Indonesia to follow these legal proceedings;
9. Asks the Indonesian authorities to consider dropping the charges against Hosea Yeimo, Ismael Alua and other prisoners of conscience against whom charges have been brought for peacefully exercising their right of freedom of expression;
10. Urges the Indonesian and local authorities in Papua to implement immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of peaceful political activists exercising their rights; calls on the authorities to ensure that people in Papua are able freely to express their ideas and opinions without fear of punishment, reprisal or intimidation;
11. Strongly condemns any act of violence or terror, and conveys its condolences to the families of the victims;
[…]
13. Calls on the authorities of Indonesia to repeal Articles 156 and 156(a) of the country’s Criminal Code, to remove the blasphemy provisions in the current draft Bill of Revision of the Criminal Code (RUU Revisi KUHP), the Electronic Information and Transactions Law and the rebellion laws (in particular Articles 106 and 110 of the Code), and to bring all laws into conformity with Indonesia’s obligations under international human rights law, specifically on freedom of expression, thought, conscience and religion, equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, and the right to expression and public assembly; notes that people may be imprisoned for ‘defamation’ for as long as five years;”
Resolution available at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&reference=P8-TA-2017-0002&language=EN&ring=P8-RC-2017-0072
2016
Structure:
UN Human Rights Council’s 31st Session
Solomon Islands Statement
Reply of Indonesia
UN General Assembly’s 71st Session
Nauru Statement
Marshall Islands Statement
Tuvalu Statement
Solomon Islands Statement
1st Reply of Solomon Islands to Indonesia
2nd Reply of Indonesia to Solomon Islands
Vanuatu Statement
Official Summary of US Embassador during Visit to Papua
UN Human Rights Council Session 31
Statement by the Delegation of Solomon Islands on the Human Rights Situation in West Papua during the 31st Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council
“Thank you Mr. President,
Firstly, allow me to congratulate you on your election.
Solomon Island is the incumbent chairperson of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and a member of the Pacific Islands Forum. When the MSG granted observer status to to United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) and associate membership to the Government of Indonesia, this was the premise that dialogue between the two parties on issues affecting West Papua could be forged.
Further, Solomon Islands encourages the Government of Indonesia to establish a peaceful dialogue with the representatives of West Papua.
Mr President,
Indeed, we commend the adoption in 2001 of the Special Autonomy Law for Papua, through which the framework, more resources are made available for development projects in the West Papua region including health care and educational services. We also appreciate the increased attention given by the Indonesian President Mr Joko Widodo to West Papua, since his election on 2014.
We, however, are greatly concerned by continuous reports of cases in West Papua of arbitrary arrests, summery executions, tortures, ill treatment and limitations of freedom of expression, assembly and association, mainly committed by Indonesian security forces. The occasions of violence shows a strong pattern of racial discrimination that disadvantages Indigenous Melanesian Papuans in their own land. We consider that Indigenous Papuans are being demographically marginalized, making up only some estimated 43 % of the population. Access for international human rights observers to West Papua, including journalists and human rights organizations has also been reported as limited.
The rise of illiteracy and the high number of maternal mortality of 500 per 100,000 indicate that access to education and health services for Papuans has deteriorated. As a result, indigenous Papuans are now experiencing a far lower population growth than the people in the other parts of Indonesia or Melanesia.
We encourage the Government of Indonesia to cooperate with the Council especially by facilitating the access to West Papua for the UN Special Procedures planning to visit Indonesia specifically for the Mandates on Freedom of Expression, Association and Assembly as a priority.
Finally, Solomon Islands strongly encourages and urges the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to positively respond to the request by the Chairman of the Pacific Leaders Forum, the right Honorable Mr Peter Oneill, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, to allow for a human rights fact-finding mission to be dispatched to West Papua to ascertain the allegations of human rights violations there
Thank you Mr President”
First Right of Reply by Indonesia towards the Statement by the Delegation of Solomon Islands on the Human Rights Situation in West Papua during the 31st Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council
“My delegation rejects the statement made by the Solomon Islands earlier today. The statement represents an unfortunate lack of understanding of the current state and development progress in Indonesia, including the provinces of Papua and West Papua. The statement also reflects misrepresentation of facts. Indonesia’s constitution, national laws and policies provide a solid guarantee of respect for the human rights of every person in Indonesia. We have a progressed national human rights protection system. It has been our common practice that the government works in partnership with its vibrant civil society and national human rights institutions.
The evolving national mechanisms in Indonesia are reliable and capable for addressing the human rights issues in a democratic manner whenever they emerge. Not withstanding of the challenges, Indonesia has, is and will continue to pay great attention to the development of all aspects of live of each and every Indonesian in each corner of the archipelago, including the provinces of Papua and West Papua. This includes the promotion and protection of human rights. In fact, we are in constant dialogue with all relevant national and local stakeholders, including the provincial and district governments in Papua and West Papua provinces to strengthen efforts in progressing social economic development. The government has and continues to invest large resources, capacity and support to promote human rights. The two provinces enjoy wide-reaching autonomy and democracy guaranteed by the national laws. Local governments in Papua are headed and administered by locals and it should be noted that the budget in the two provinces are amongst the highest in Indonesia.
Mr Vice-President,
We will not be distracted, we will continue our democracy and development agenda for the provinces of Papua and West Papua. We have and will also remain actively engaged – regionally and globally – and continue to make meaningful contributions including in the field of human rights by inter alia sharing its experiences in terms of capacity building and practices. We believe that no country is perfect and we believe that this also applies to Solomon Islands, which we believe is still marred with human rights problems such as corruption, trafficking of persons and violence against women.”
UN General Assembly’s 71st Session
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU, Mr Baron Waga, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2016 New York
“Nauru is deeply concerned regarding the situation in West Papua, including the alleged human rights abuses. As emphasized in the Pacific Islands Forum Communique, it is important that there be an open and constructive dialogue with Indonesia on this matter.”
Full Statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_TV_en.pdf
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS, Ms Hilda Heine, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2016 New York
“Given the importance of human rights to my country, I request that the UN Human Rights Council initiate a credible and independent investigation of alleged human rights violations in West Papua.”
Full Statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_MH_en.pdf
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF TUVALU, Enele Sosene Sopoanga, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2016 New York
“In the same vein, the principle of self-determination must also be respected and honoured. The violation of human rights in West Papua and their desire to achieve self-determination is a reality. This great body cannot and must not ignore these deplorable situations, it must not hide behind the guise of the principles of non-interference and sovereignty. The UN must act on this issue and find a workable solution to give autonomy to the Indigenous Peoples of West Papua.”
Full Statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_TV_en.pdf
Statement on West Papua Presented by PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU, Mr H.E. Dr Caleb Otto, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September, 2016 New York
“Additionally, we join others to advocate for an amenable resolution to the
problem in West Papua.”
Full Statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/71/71_PW_en.pdf
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF TONGA, H.E. Mr. Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, at the 71st Session of the United Nations general Assembly on September 24, 2016, New York
“We express for the welfare of the Pacific peoples that are residents and citizens in the province of Western Papua, Indonesia. Last year, on this same podium, I stood here and spoke about human rights abuses taking place in Indonesia-ruled West Papua. In the year that has passed, nothing appears to have changed in that place. I use the word ‘appease’ intentionally because now we still have no way of knowing exactly what is going on in that place. Probably something is definitely wrong […].Tonga has concers for the wellfare of indigenous peoples of West Papua. As called for by decision of our recet meeting of our Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting earlier this month in the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga supports the call for an open and constructive dialogue with Indonesia regarding the status and welfare of the people of West Papua. As a concerned neighbour Tonga also calls on Indonesia as a forum dialogue partner to work with it and other Pacific Islands Forum countries to facilitate this decision of our fellow leaders, either bilaterally or by through United Nations mechanisms.”
Video and Audio File of the Statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/tonga
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF SOLOMON ISLANDS, Mr Manasseh Sogovare, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2016 New York
“Solomon Islands is gravely concerned about the human rights violations against Melanesians in West Papua. Human rights violations in West Papua and the pursuit for self-determination of West Papua are two sides of the same coin. Many reports on human rights violations in West Papua emphasize the inherent corroboration between the right to self-determination that results in direct violations of human rights by Indonesia in its attempts to smother any form of opposition.
The principle of sovereignty is paramount in any institution whose core rationale is the respect for sovereignty. If the justification of sovereignty rests on a series of decisions that are questionable, then there is a case to challenge the legality of the argument of sovereignty as is the case of the New York Agreement and the Act of Free Choice.
Solomon Islands adds its’ voice to those of other member countries and civil society organisations who are concerned about human rights violations in the Papua and West Papua regions of Indonesia. As the chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group that includes Indonesia as an associate member and the United Liberation Movement of West Papua as an observer, Solomon Islands affirms the need for constructive engagement with Indonesia and looks forward to cooperating with Indonesia to address the violations of human rights in West Papua.”
Video and Statement Summary available at: https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/solomon-islands
First Right of Reply by Solomon Islands at the General Debate of the 71st Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 20-26 September 2016) towards the Previous Statement by Indonesia
“Solomon Islands would like to exercise its right to reply to the statement by Indonesia made on the the 24th of September 2016 regarding the ongoing human rights violations of the Melanesian people in West Papua.
Mr. President,
Solomon Islands notes Indonesia’s right to reply regarding the efforts made by the Indonesian Government to establish human rights monitoring mechanisms and other avenues to ensuring that human rights violations in West Papua are addressed. We note, that Indonesia ratified the Convention against Torture in 1998, but to date it has not been able to harmonize the law to include the definition of torture, let alone to criminalize and punish torture. Furthermore, Indonesia has not submitted its period report to the committee against torture since 2008.
Mr President,
The Solomon Islands’ delegation receives reports from respectable sources of fellow UN member states and moral leaders from civil society, illustrating a lack of protection of human rights on Melanesian people of West Papua. In this regard, Mr President, Solomon Islands therefore invites Indonesia to substantiate its allegations that the Solomon Islands together with the five other pacific islands delegations have used false and fabricated information by allowing you and special rapporteurs mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to visit West Papua and Papua. Our concern has to do with the increasing loss of lives at the hand of Indonesian authorities.
We may argue and concede that mistakes are made and that lives are lost as a consequence, but Mr. President, how can we as members of this august body, the defender of human rights and the body of reference in ethical and moral values turn a blind eye to the deaths of more than 500.000 West Papuans over the course of the last 50 years. As an island country from a region that Indonesia claims to be a part of, Solomon Islands can not stand behind the argument of sovereignty and integrity of any country and watch such atrocities take place. It is our moral and ethical duty as members of this august body on gathering, to bring this unfortunate reality to the foreign two together, find a way to stop the loss of lives and protect the rights of all human beings, either Melanesian, West Papuan or any other.
Furthermore Mr President,
we come together to agree on certain rights and hold each other accountable to those rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights article 3 stipulates that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Also International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Indonesia has ratified, is also a binding legal instrument. Article 9 of this covenant reinforces the right to liberty and security of person. Article 3 of UNDHR entails a responsibility to protect all populations from mass atrocities, crimes and human rights violations. In essence Mr President, we uphold the argument of sovereignty and integrity, we as UN members should also hold other states accountable to article 3 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and article 9 of the ICCPR.
Mr President,
Indonesia has further clarified that many development challenges that we face as the Solomon Islands, too, as is the case with the five other pacific islands countries that were mentioned by Indonesia in its right to reply – as of today including Palau that’s six. In its right to reply our challenges are difficult ones and we know full well that we alone can not and will not be able to resolve them. That is why we highlight these challenges here at this august body. In a similar vein we highlight the human rights violations in West Papua because we realize that neither we, nor Indonesia can resolve this matter alone. We are of the position that this matter needs to be brought to the attention of the body of the United Nations and it needs to be done urgently as lives are being lost with all impunity. Mr President, all lives matter, West Papuan lives matter.
Mr President,
Solomon Islands wishes to reiterate its willingness to have constructive engagements with Indonesia on the matter of West Papua. In fact our pacific regional and sub-regional bodies have indicated their willingness to discuss these matters with Indonesia as we are all concerned about the increasing loss of lives in West Papua. Over the last 20 years our pacific islands countries have expressed the need for dialogue with Indonesia on the human rights violations. In fact, over the last 18 months the regional and sub-regional organizational pacific island countries have made three attempts to have constructive engagement with Indonesia
Mr. President,
the lack of will to engage from Indonesia will not dampen the commitment of Solomon Islands together with six other pacific island countries to pursue dialogue and constructive engagement as they are the only means to resolving this matter. We understand through true constructive engagement and dialogue we can realize the articles of the UN charter and international human rights instruments that Indonesia has ratified.
In closing Mr President, the Solomon Islands welcomes the opportunity to highlight this case before this august body, so that we, together, and as a family of nations can and must address the human rights violations and the loss of lives in West Papua. It impinges on us as members of the United Nations to cast aside all barriers, so that further lives are not lost in West Papua.
Mr. President,
we are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold, for all live is sacred. I thank you for exhausting your patience Mr President.“
Watch Video: http://webtv.un.org/watch/solomon-islands-first-right-of-reply-/5141621665001
Second Right of Reply by Indonesia at General Debate of the 71st Session of the General Assembly of the UN (New York, 20-26 September 2016) towards the previous Statement by Solomon Islands
“Mr President,
I am compelled to take the floor again to exercise our right of reply due to the response by the delegation of Solomon Islands.
The remarks just delivered by the delegation of Solomon Islands show the use of the allegations of human rights to support a separatism movement and it is only reaffirming the persisting violation to principles and purposes of the UN charter by blatantly interfering internal affairs of other states, sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. This also shows their continuous ignorance of the facts on the ground and falls into the trap of trash information from the separatist groups. I Thank you.”
Watch Video: http://webtv.un.org/watch/indonesia-second-right-of-reply/5141621680001
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU, Mr Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2016 New York
“Noting his country’s vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels, he said international assistance was appreciated, but that coordination of post-disaster financial aid through non-governmental organizations was sometimes inefficient and failed to respect national reconstruction priorities. Vanuatu was proud to contribute to United Nations missions in Haiti and Côte d’Ivoire and it was ready to send more troops if called upon. On decolonization, he welcomed United Nations assistance with electoral lists in New Caledonia, whose people should freely choose their future status of self-determination. He went on to urge the United Nations to take concrete measures to address human rights concerns in West Papua.”
Video and Statement Summary available at: https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/vanuatu
Official Summary of Issues taken up by US Embassador Robert Blake during meeting with Papuan Provincial Governor Lukas Enembe, Chief of papua regional Police Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw on January 22, 2016
“the Ambassador also met individually with Provincial Governor Lukas Enembe, Chief of Police Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw, and local religious leaders. During these visits he stressed that USAID projects in the region are geared toward supporting President Jokowi’s efforts to fulfil his government’s climate change goals and poverty reduction efforts, as well as those of Papua province, and thanked the Governor and Kapolda for their ongoing efforts to protect U.S. citizens residing in Papua. During the meeting with the Kapolda the Ambassador also praised police efforts in engaging with local communities, and urged them to better adopt non-lethal methods of crowd control and to embrace greater accountability and transparency when officers are involved in incidents.”
2015
United Nations General Assembly, 70th session
Right to Reply by Solomon Islands
United Nations General Assembly, 70th Session
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF TONGA, H.E. MR. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, at the 70th Session of the United Nations general Assembly on 29th September 2015 in New York
“Ladies and Gentlemen, most of us have come a long way looking with hope for solutions.
Our political priorities must not distract us from the call so well embodied in the 2030
Agenda to “leave no one behind.” I re-emphasize that this call speaks to us as Leaders, to
work together against injustice and cruel violation of human rights and dignity as in the case of West Papua in Melanesia in the Pacific: this is within our power. It is a choice that those with power and privilege can make: United Nation has a duty to closely follow this West Papua case and necessary action be taken to stop this brutal and inhuman activities.”
Audio file of the full statement available at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.unmultimedia.org/radio/library/ltd/mp3/ga/2015/70_TO_EN.mp3
Video of the full statement available at: http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/general-assembly/watch/tonga-general-debate-70th-session/4519086422001
Statement on West Papua presented by PRIME MINISTER OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, H.E. Mr. Manasseh Sogavare, at the 70 Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 1st October 2015 in New York
“Mr President, Solomon Islands reaffirms that human rights principles are universal, indivisible, interrelated and must be treated in a fair manner. All states have a legal duty and moral responsibility to uphold, respect and promote human rights and where necessary take preventive, protective and punitive measures against human rights abuses or violations in accordance with the UN Charter and applicable international laws.
Against the foregoing backdrop, the General Assembly is well aware of the continuing concerns of human rights violations in the Papua and West Papua regions of Indonesia. Solomon Islands together with the Pacific Islands Forum are seeking genuine dialogue and cooperation with Indonesia. The outreach is to resolve and dissolve reported allegations of human rights violations occurring on two of Indonesia’s ethnic Melanesian regions namely Papua and West Papua. Solomon Islands further calls on the Geneva based Human Rights Council to do more in investigating and monitoring of allegations of human rights abuse and violence on ethnic Melanesians in the concerned regions of Indonesia. We would like this issue attended to in a timely manner.
In this connection the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in its recent Leaders Summit in Port Moresby approved the deployment of a fact finding Mission to West Papua to establish the alleged abuse of human rights there. We appeal to the Government of Indonesia to allow free and unrestricted access to this Mission in the true spirit of regional cooperation. In the long term however, the United Nations cannot shy away from the root causes of these violations.”
Full Video of the statement available at: http://webtv.un.org/watch/solomon-islands-general-debate-70th-session/4524779327001
PDF File of Solomon Islands’ statement available at: https://gadebate.un.org/sites/default/files/gastatements/70/70_SB_en.pdf
Right of Reply by Indonesia at General Debate of the 70st Session of the General Assembly of the UN in New York towards the Statements by Tonga and Solomon Islands
“[…] My delegation strongly rejects the refferences concerning the so-called “human rights issue in West Papua” in their statement. The said references are dangerously misleading and therefore compell my delegation to set the record straight.
Mr President,
Human rights protection and promotion has always been a strong part of my government’s priority. Indonesia’s constitution and national laws provide a solid guarantee of respect for the human rights of every person in Indonesia. It is my delegation’s firm conviction that no country – big or small, developped or least developped – is free of human rights problems. Indonesia is not an exception. However, as a a mature and the fourth largest democracy in the world, Indonesia has put in place a robust national human rights protection system and continues to strengthen its human rights institutions and legislations. It has also been a long practice that the government of Indonesia works together with its national civil societies and national human rights institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights. These civil society and human rights institutions provide the necessary checks and independent reviews to make sure that human rights are properly monitored and protected. That is to say, the evolving national mechanisms in Indonesia are reliable and capable for addressing any human rights issues whenever they emerge, including the persisting ones, in democratic manner.
Indonesia also remains actively engaged – regionally and globally – and continues to make meaningful contributions in the fields of human rights, including by sharing its experiences in terms of capacity building and practices in human rights protection and promotion.
Mr President,
we respect expression of concern by any party over human rights situations everywhere including in Indonesia in general, or in certain parts of the country. My delegation, however, is not convinced that the reference in the statements made by those delegations was appropriate and had any merit. In deed, they contain inaccurate allegations over the human rights situation in certain parts of Indonesia and indicated political motivation beyond human rights considerations. Furthermore, they included mis-representation of facts.
The government of Indonesia in deed continues to invest large resources and pays great attention to the development of all its aspects of live in its provinces Papua and West Papua, and this includes the promotion and protection of human rights. The two provinces enjoy wide-reaching autonomy guaranteed by national laws including the election of governors and other heads of regional governments. The government continues to do its upmost to be accountable to the people of Papua and West Papua, including in the areas of human rights.
To conclude Mr President,
the government of Indonesia attaches great importance to its relations with pacific island countries as some people of Indoesnia have strong comunalities with poeples of the Pacific islands region. It has been our national policy to cherish comunalities as it is among the ways to bridge diversity. Therefore, let me re-iterate that the government of Indonesia is committed to continuing its engagement in good faith with Pacific Island countries for common peace and prosperity in the region. Thank you Mr President.”
Video of Indonesia’s right to reply available at: http://webtv.un.org/search/indonesia-first-right-of-reply-general-debate-70th-session/4528921979001?term=indonesia
Right of Reply by Tonga at General Debate of the 70st Session of the General Assembly of the UN in New York towards the previous Statement by Indonesia
“Thank you Mr President for giving me an opportunity for Tonga to take the floor and respond to the comments made by Indonesia. […] Tonga values the diplomatic relations with Indonesia. It recognizes the sovereignity of Indonesia over its population and its affairs. However, Tonga has received reports of alleged human rights violations and is concerned and it proposes to Indonesia in friendly ways to hold a dialogue – not just Tonga but also perhaps other members of the pacific island countries – in a friendly way to dialogue with Indonesia, perhaps to gain more understanding, perhaps to conduct a fact finding mission in cooperation with Indonesia to find more information and facts about these allegations.
However to conclude Mr. President, Tonga holds high regards for Indonesia and its diplomatic relations with Indonesia, but simply would like to register, as has been said by my Prime Minister, about Tonga’s concerns about allegations of human rights violations. But there is room for further dialogue and as part of the proposed solution for this and to addressing the concerns of Tonga would like to hold more dialogue with Indonesia. Thank you Mr President”
Video of Tonga’s right to reply available at: http://webtv.un.org/search/tonga-first-right-of-reply-general-debate-70th-session/4528787375001?term=tonga
Right of Reply by Solomon Islands at General Debate of the 70st Session of the General Assembly of the UN in New York towards the Statements by Indonesia
“In respose to the right to reply by Indonesia, Solomon islands would like to begin by first of all re-iterating its deep respect to Indonesia’s sovereignity and our realations with Indonesia. We certainly also note the statement delivered by Indoensia and would just like to re-iterate that the UN Charter is based on three pillars: Peace and security, human rights and development. My delegation also wishes to re-iterate that all states have a legal duty and moral responsiblity to uphold, respect and promote human rights and when necessary take preventive, protective and punilative measures against human rights abuses and violations in accordance with the charter UN and applicable international laws.
On the issue of human rights violations in Papua and West Papua, we have made it clear in our statement an the General Assembly that we would like to work with Indonesia – we would like to work with everyone within the United Nations Human Rights Commission. We would like to work in the multi-lateral system on theis issue.
So we welcome what has been said by Indonesia. We welcome its committment to work in good faith with – not only with the Solomon Inslands, not only with the Pacific Island Forum countries – but with all of us in terms of addressing human rights violations where ever they may occur. And in that respect we wish to underscore that we seek dialogue and cooperation with Indonesia as alluded to by the leaders by the Pacific Islands Forum in which we would like to work with them in addressing some of theses issues within the context of the UN charter and within the context of international law. I thank you, Mr President”
Video of Solomon Islands’ right to reply available at: http://webtv.un.org/search/solomon-islands-first-right-of-reply-general-debate-70th-session/4528787376001?term=solomon
2014
Structure:
UN Human Rights Council 25th Session
Vanuatu Statement
Reply of Indonesia to Vanuatu
Statements by US Ambassador Robert Blake during visit to Provinces Papua and Papua Barat between 8 and 13 June, 2014
UN Human Rights Council 25th Session
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU, Mr Moana Carcasses Kalosil, at the 25th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on 28 March 2014, Geneva
“H.E. President of the Human Rights Council H.E. Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Bani Ki Moon Excellencies Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen
The Republic of Vanuatu is very pleased to be addressing this meeting today. I have come here to join the leaders of the world to discuss and raise concerns on different human rights challenges affecting millions of innocent citizens across the entire globe, from the island countries and in countries across continents.
Mr. President,
the focus of my statement here today will be on two important but very highly critical issues to the entire population of my country. First I want to focus on the rights of our indigenous people to practice their cultural and spiritual rituals in the two of our islands in the Tafea Province, South of Vanuatu. And Secondly, I will bring to the forefront or our debate some of the issues regarding human rights abuses in West Papua that have been very disturbingto the community of democracies around the world.
Mr. President,
my country’s struggle to achieve political independence in 1980 was marked with incidences of social protests and emergence of some political movements within our country. We were Melanesians being governed by Britain and France in our own mother land. Prior to 1980, we were stateless in our country and we were neither French of British citizens. And for almost 4 decades, we were exposed to foreign rule. So we had to struggle to construct our identity as free people to live in dignity. Independence was our objective. And this was a compelling thrive that motivated our leaders to achieve nothing less than political independence. We did not fight for independence because we were economically and financially ready. We did not fight for independence because our colonial masters were killing our people. No. We fought for our political independence because it is our God given right to be free. Freedom was our inalienable right. It is a human right. And Vanuatu was proclaimed independent on 30 July 1980. Thirty three years after our independence I am delighted to say that France has begun to demonstrate its willingness four our indigenous people to visit two of our very sacred islands, Umaepnune (Mathew) and Leka (Hunter) in the southern part of our country to fulfill their cultural and spiritual obligations. Rituals and ceremonies have continued to be held on other islands of the Tafea province annually despite the blockage previously imposed by the French authority for our tribesmen to travel to the sacred islands Umaepnune and Leka islands to fulfill their cultural and spiritual duties.
Mr. President,
I want to now focus my attention on the chronic human rights challenges that has affected the indigenous Melanesian peoples of West Papua since 1969. And I do this with great respect and humility. My country is here in this meeting to amplify the concerns for human rights in West Papua. We are very concerned indeed about the manner in which the international community had neglected the voices of the Papuan people, who’s human rights have been trampled upon and severely suppressed since 1969.
Mr. President,
you are presiding over the noblest organ of the United Nations- the Human Rights Council. But what do we do when rights of the Melanesian people of West Papua is challenged with military interventions and presence? Since the controversial Act of Free Choice in 1969, the Melanesian People of West Papua have been subject to on-going human rights violations committed by the Indonesian security services. The world has witnessed the litany of tortures, murders, exploitation, rapes, military raids, arbitrary arrests and dividing of civil society trough intelligence operations. The Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS HAM) concluded that these acts constitute crimes against humanity under Indonesian Law No. 26/2000 (KOMNAS HAM 2001,2004). In this climate of fear and repression of political dissent, and blatant negligence by the international Community including the UN and the powerful developed countries since 1969, we find this forgotten race still dare to dream for equality and justice. Yet the democratic nations have kept silent.
Mr. President,
as a Melanesian citizen, I have come here to call for immediate action. Injustice in West Papua is a threat to the principle of justice everywhere in the world. I do not sleep well at night when I know that in 2010 Yawan Wayeni, known as a separatist was videotaped by the security forces as he was lying in a pool of his own blood with his intestines seeping from a gaping wound in his abdomen. It concerns me that in October 2010 Telenga Gire and Anggen Pugu Kiwo were tied by the military and were severely tortured. It concerns me when I see the video footage of a group of Papuan men bounded and being kicked in the head by uniformed soldiers who are meant to protect them. I am worried because between October of 2011 and March 2013, 25 Papuans were murdered and nothing has been done to bring perpetrators to justice. And it embarrasses me. As a Melanesian, to note that roughly 10 % of the indigenous Melanesian population have been killed by the Indonesian Security forces since 1963. While I acknowledge the 15 years of reformation that has taken place, I am also worried that Melanesians will soon become a minority in their own motherland of Papua.
Mr. President,
in a world so now closely connected with innovative technology, there should be no excuses about lack of information on human rights violations that have plagued the Papuan people for more than 45 years. Search the internet and research papers by academic institutions and international NGO’s and you will find raw facts portraying the brutal abuse of the rights of the Melanesian people in Papua. But why are we not discussing it in this counsel? Why are we turning a blind eye to them and closing our ears to the lone voices of the Papuan people, many of whom have shed innocent blood because they want justice and freedom. Many are martyrs that have been persecuted and brutally murdered because the carry the unspoken voices of the millions now living in fear in the valleys and lofty mountains of Papua. They are demanding recognition and equality and a respect for their human rights and to live in peace. Will this august council hear their cries and now go forward to protect their human rights and put right all wrong of the past? I have listened attentively to the voice of a former Civil Servant Mr. Filep Karma and student Yusak Pakage who were sentenced to 15 and 10 years in prison and speaking from behind bars, calling on our countries in the Pacific to speak out against the injustice against them. These are the children of the warriors who have stood firm to fight during the second world war in the Pacific and who helped bring peace and security in our part of the world. It is now our duty to bring peace to their tribal villages and communities by affording them their basic human rights that most of us here take for granted. I am very encouraged that the matter has now reached the European Union Committee on Human Rights and we look forward for some actions to improve the human rights conditions of our brothers and sisters in Papua. I further call on the Governments of the developed countries including the African nations and the island countries of the Caribbean and the Pacific to condemn the issue of human rights violations. I want to echo the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who said in his speech in 1963 that, “nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” We the democratic nations must not ignore the cries of the Papuan people.
Mr. President,
the concerns we are raising here is more than a question of keeping 70 % of the wealth from oil and gas in West Papua, it is the question of political status. The concerns we are raising here, is more than the question of economic status were 80 % of wealth from Forestry, Fisheries and general mining are kept in Papua. It is a question of the respect of the human rights and existence of the Melanesian people. Our concern is not to see how much they have been fed by a golden spoon, but to see the measure of respect for freedom accorded to the Papuans as equal citizens. And to what degree the civil society are given the right to express concerns about the quality of governance in their motherland. For this should be a measure of a vibrant democracy.
Mr. President,
access must be allowed for the UN human rights monitor, international journalists and international human rights NGO’s to visit West Papua. It is clear from many historical records that the Melanesian people of West Papua were the scapegoat of Cold war politics and were sacrificed to gratify the appetite for the natural resources which this country possess. Mr. President, if the UN Representative, Mr. Ortiz Sanz had described the West Papuan issue as a cancer growing “on the side of the and that his job was to remove it”, it is very clear today from what we have seen that this cancer was never removed but simply concealed. One day, this cancer will be diagnosed. We must not be afraid if the UN had made some mistakes in the past. We must admit our mistakes and correct them.
Mr. President,
as I close, my government believes that human rights challenges of Papua must be brought back to the agenda of the United Nations. I call on the Human rights Council to consider adopting a resolution to establish a country mandate on the situation of human rights in West Papua. The mandate should include investigation of the alleged human rights violation in West Papua and provide recommendations on a peaceful political solution in West Papua. This will help to assist in supporting H.E. President Yudhoyono’s pledge to hold dialogue with Papua.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to express my views in this forum. Long God Yumi Stanap. In God we Stand. Thank you.”
Video available at http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/vanuatu-high-level-segment-5th-meeting-25th-regular-session-human-rights-council/3290028806001#full-text
Reply by the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the statement made by Vanuatu during the 25th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
“Mr. President,
My delegation takes the floor to exercise its right of reply to the statement made by Vanuatu.
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia strongly rejects the statement concerning the so-called ‘issue of West Papua’, made by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, H.E. Moana Carcessess Kalosil, at the High-Level Segment on this morning.
His statement represents an unfortunate and sadly lack of understanding of basic facts on historical role of the UN and the principled position of international community at large as well as the current state of Indonesia, including the actual development in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, Indonesia.
We are just too conscious that internal political dynamics in Vanuatu have often played a role in the raising of the so-called ‘issue of West Papua’ in various fora, including the United Nations, as evidently stated in a statement made by the Office of Prime Minister Sato Kilman of Vanuatu in May 2012 and published by the Vanuatu Daily Post on 22 May 2012, which stated inter alia:
“in Vanuatu, the West Papua issue has been politicized and used by different political parties and movements not for the interests of the people in West Papua but more so for elections and political campaign propaganda …”
Furthermore, the statement of Mr. Kalosil is simply in contradiction with the visit of a high-level delegation of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) members representing Melanesian Community, to Indonesia from 11 to 16 January 2014 in which Ministerial Level Delegation of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and representative of the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) of New Caledonia as well as MSG High Representative conducted in situ visit to Papua province and obtained firsthand information. The Communique resulted from the visit stipulates that the government of Indonesia and members of the MSG are determined to strengthen cooperation and further enhance constructive relationship.
Worse, his statement is also in contradiction to the will of the Vanuatu government itself towards its relation with Indonesia as reflected in the 2011 Bilateral Development Cooperation Agreement that provides a legal framework for the two countries to respect each other’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and principles of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Mr. President,
For its part, Indonesia will not be distracted by such inclination. We will continue fostering our agenda for democracy, including the promotion and respect for the human rights of all its peoples.
At the same time, we will also persevere in the promotion of friendly relations with the Government and people of Vanuatu based on principles governing friendly relations between countries. A good will that we have demonstrated by presenting constructive recommendations to Vanuatu in their UPR consideration on last January.
Finally, Mr. President, we also would like to request to you that this statement to be put as an official document and record of the Human Rights Council.
I thank you.”
Reference: United Nations, human Rights Council, Note verbale dated 4 March 2014 from the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva addressed to the Office of the President of the Human Rights Council, A/HRC/25/G/13, (7 March 2014), available at: http://undocs.org/A/HRC/25/G/13
Statements by US Ambassador Robert Blake during visit to Provinces Papua and Papua Barat between 8 and 13 June, 2014
“The United States recognizes the territorial integrity of Indonesia, within its present borders, including Papua. We also support a meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues. During this trip, I discussed with senior government, religious, tribal, police, and military personnel the importance of respecting everyone’s right to freely and peacefully express themselves. We also discussed the benefits that would come from increasing access to Papua for international journalists.” (June 8, 2014)
“The United States is proud to support programs that are improving the lives of Papuans. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development, we partner with the national and local governments, community leaders, the private sector, and religious and adat leaders on health, education, governance, forest conservation and climate change programs. In 2013, the United States invested $10 million in development programs in Papua and West Papua.” (June 10, 2014)
“During my meetings, I welcomed the improvement in performance on human rights in Papua by security forces and emphasized the need for sustained progress on this vital issue.” (June 10, 2014)
“I saw how Freeport is making unprecedented and much needed contributions to Papua, not only in terms of economic development and employing more than 30,000 people, but also to the local communities and local institutions. The company invested over $100 million last year in support of Papuan education, malaria and HIV and other health programs, training, and entrepreneurship programs that have helped to create 120 Papuan owned and operated businesses.” (June 11, 2014)
2013
Structure:
UN General Assembly’s 68st Session
Vanuatu Statement
UN General Assembly’s 68st Session
Statement on West Papua Presented by PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU, Mr Moana Carcasses Kalosil, at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2013 New York
“We can all talk about good governance and rule of law and respect for human rights. But when it comes to the issue of the rights of the people of West Papua, our voices are muted even in this podium.
I want to congratulate the Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon who emphasized in his visit to Asia in 2012 that the UN will do all to ensure that human rights will be respected in West Papua and I quote: “whether you are an independent state or a non-self governing territory or whatever, the human right is inalienable and a fundamental principle of the United Nations.” Unquote.
Now we as members of the United Nations must call for these words to be translated into concrete action.
Mr President,
my Government, calls upon the United Nations to appoint a UN Special Representative to investigate alleged human rights in West Papua and its political status in light of the controversies surrounding the UN Temporary Executive Authority administration in the 1960s. Ever since the controversial Act of Free Choice, the West Papuans have been consistently denied any sort of recognition by the United Nations. It is clear from many historical records that the Melanesian people of West Papua were the scapegoat of Cold war politics and were sacrificed to gratify the appetite for the natural resources which this country possess. Today they are still the victims of ignorance of the UN.
Mr President,
if the UN Representative, Mr Ortiz Sanz had described the West Papuan issue as a cancer growing “on the side of the UN and that his job was to remove if”, it is very clear today from what we have seen that this cancer was never removed but simply concealed. One day, this cancer will have to be treated. We must not be afraid if the UN had made some mistakes in the past. We must admit our mistakes and come out stronger. For when we are weak and admit our mistakes and take corrective action, then we are strong and vibrant.
As members of the United Nations, we all subscribe to the principles of democracy, good governance, human rights, accountability and the rule of law as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. And in the age of technology where nothing could hide from the attention of civil society and Governments, Mr President, I ask, how can we then ignore hundreds of thousands of West Papuans who have been brutally beaten and murdered? Mr President, the people of West Papua are looking to the UN as a beacon for hope. We are now deliberating on the issue of Syria. Let us, my colleague leaders, with the same moral conviction yield our support to the plight of West Papuans. It is time for the United Nation to move beyond its periphery and address and rectify some historical error.”
Video and statement available at https://gadebate.un.org/en/68/vanuatu18th Meeting, 36th Regular Session Human Rights Council delivered by Mr. Barrett Salato
18th Meeting, 36th Regular Session Human Rights Council delivered by Mr. Barrett Salato
“Thank you Mr. Vice President,
Solomon Islands would like to draw the attention of the council to the human rights situation in West Papua. We are deeply concerned that Indonesian military and police continue to suppress the indigenous people in West Papua to freely exercise their rights to freedom of opinion and of expression and their rights to peaceful assembly and of association.
Between July and August of this year alone, more than 300 indigenous West Papuans were arrested and in some cases severely beaten during peaceful assembly. This goes to demonstrate the widespread human rights violations committed by the Indonesian military and police. Cases of extra-judicial killings of indigenous West Papuans continue to be committed and the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice and held accountable for these crimes.
Mr. Vice President,
Solomon islands remains deeply concerned that the transmigration policy and the poor health condition along with other human rights violations has lead to a drastic decline of indigenous people of West Papua over the years from 96% to less than 42% today as reported to the early warning appeal to the Commission on Elimination of Racial Discrimination by an NGO.
Mr. Vice President,
Solomon Islands therefore urges the Government of Indonesia to establish a constructive dialogue with indigenous West Papuans to address the root causes of these human rights violations. We also call on the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions to visit West Papua. Thank you.”
