The Improvement of Indonesian Human Rights

Meg Munn: The human rights situation in Indonesia has improved over the last 10 years and we judge that the government remains committed to further progress, as indicated by its 2006 accession to the International
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Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. We recognise that challenges remain and our embassy in Jakarta closely follows the situation in Papua, particularly concerning civil society work on human rights and freedom of expression. We will continue to encourage the Indonesian government to respect their international obligations in this regard. We remain firm in our commitment to freedom of expression, but do not believe that making representations to the Indonesian government on incidents such as the banning of Sendius Wonda’s book would be as effective as the wide-ranging engagement we have with Indonesia on human rights.

Papua: Armed Conflict

Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed with his European Union counterparts the prospects for EU-sponsored dialogue between West Papuan leaders and the government of Indonesia on a peaceful resolution to the conflict in West Papua. [186107]

Meg Munn: We continue to encourage EU engagement in promoting human rights in Indonesia, but we have not discussed any plans for EU-sponsored dialogue between Papuan leaders and the central government in Jakarta. We believe that the complex issues in Papua can best be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the people of Papua and the government of Indonesia. The Indonesian President has committed his government to improving the situation in Papua, which we welcome.

We continue to encourage all sides to support meaningful dialogue and to focus on fully implementing the existing special autonomy legislation. We judge that this is the best way to ensure the long-term stability and development of Papua and its people.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Meg Munn

Source: Commons Hansard