The British Human Rights Report 2007

A very important note was stated in British Human Rights Report 2007.  I think it would be great if a peaceful dialogue among Papuan, Papua local government, Indonesia central government, Indonesian civil society, Papuan local NGO, and national NGO can be held openly and sincerely. The implementation of special autonomy should be discussed carefully in an honest atmosphere as a vital step to resolve the complex problem of Papua. Hostile action and negative propaganda by some radicals should be stopped. Violation of human rights by some military unit should also be stopped. At the same time, during the process of dialogue among parties in Papua, restrictions on access to Papua by NGOs and journalists should be loosen, so the world will see the reality of positive development in Papua. Hopefully, some irresponsible Papuan who take economical and political opportunity in foreign countries will realise that their action is only worsening the situation in Papua.

British report urges Indonesia dialogue with Papuans

Posted at 00:00 on 29 March, 2008 UTC

The British Foreign Office has urged the Indonesian government and all Papuan groups to engage in a peaceful dialogue.

In its Human Rights Report 2007 launched this week, the Foreign Office says while peace was being maintained in Aceh, Indonesia continues to experience low level conflict in Papua.

The report says concerns remain about the human rights situation in Papua, in particular restrictions on access to the region by NGOs and journalists.

It also mentions allegations of violations by the Indonesian armed forces and regular reports of threats against human rights defenders.

The Foreign Office says it believes that the full implementation of Special Autonomy legislation would be an important step in resolving Papua’s complex issues.

However, it says there are still obstacles, and progress is slow.

The British government says it’s working with the European Union towards greater engagement with the Indonesian government in support of human rights defenders.