CathNews New Zealand

The World Council of Churches has expressed concern at the escalation of violence in Indonesia’s Tanah Papua area [West Papua], urging the authorities to stop the killings of civilians at the hands of armed forces.

It has issued a statement at its meeting which was held in Geneva , Switzerland, 14-17 February 2012 highlighting what it calls the tragic escalation in tension that again poses a wake-up call to Indonesia and the international community.

It insists that the grievances of the Papuan people must be addressed without further delay.

The statement concludes:

The World Council of Churches:

1.   Expresses its deep concern for the deteriorating situation regarding human rights violations in Tanah Papua
2.  Requests Indonesian authorities to take necessary steps to release the political prisoners, to lift the ban on peaceful assembly of Papuans and to demilitarize Tanah Papua
3. Urges the Indonesian government to initiate necessary steps to enter into dialogue with indigenous Papuan people and to take adequate measures to protect their rights and to provide them with their basic needs and rights as the oringinal inhabitants of Tanah Papua
4.  Urges the Indonesian Government to ensure that the Indonesian armed forces stop the killing and the causing of serious bodily or mental harm to the Papuan people and the abrogation of their human rights
5. Commends the churches and ecumenical partners who are engaged in global advocacy for peace, security and human rights of the Papuans
6. Calls on WCC member churches to provide long term accompaniment and also to be engaged in advocacy on peace and security for all Papuans in their struggle for the right to life and right to dignity
7.  Prays for the people and the churches of Tanah Papua as they continue to be engaged in their prophetic witness for peace, reconciliation and hope.

A New Zealand MP, Catherine Delahunty is calling on the government to play a constructive role over dialogue with Indonesia about West Papua.

She is attended this week’s launch of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua group in Australia.

She told parliament in Wellington that New Zealand has a proud tradition of standing up for its more vulnerable neighbours.

“And yet we are still silent, still colluding over the issue of West Papua. It is not about attacking an important neighbour like Indonesia. It’s not about denying the relationship. It’s about saying to Indonesia, yes democracy is developing positively in your country, but something is happening in a dark corner.”

 

Source

• Radio New Zealand International
• World Council of Churches
• Radio New Zealand International
• Image: FaceBook

Additional reading

• Tension high in West Papua as Auckland raises Morning Star
• International Parliamentarians in Papua have new profile
• Labour MPs defy Minister over Papua
• Split in Australian Labor party over West Papua meeting
• Oz Govt Denies Support for Meeting on W. Papua’s Independence
• Australia supports Indonesia's territorial integrity
• Thousands of Papuans demand referendum
• Rights groups decry treason trial of West Papua activists
• Freeport mine halts operations in West Papua amid worker clashes

News category: Asia Pacific.