Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has responded to human rights concerns over Papua raised by the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
In its right of reply, Indonesia said it takes credible allegations of human rights violations seriously. The country handles such allegations through national institutions and legal mechanisms.
“Our national institutions and legal mechanisms, including Komnas HAM, continue to work to address these allegations,” the Indonesian delegation said.
Indonesia also pointed to its record as a member of the UN Human Rights Council. It said its current presidency of the council reflects its active role in human rights issues.
The delegation also stressed that the Papua issue requires a broader view. Indonesia highlighted attacks by armed groups against civilians, teachers, health workers and government officials.
“Attacks against civilians are not a form of peaceful expression,” the delegation said. “Indonesia has an obligation to protect all its citizens.”
Indonesia added that law enforcement must still follow national law and international human rights obligations.
The delegation also addressed calls for a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Papua. Indonesia said the host country and the Office of the High Commissioner must agree on such visits.
It added that the same arrangement applies to all UN member states. Indonesia said other countries or regional organizations cannot determine the arrangements.
Earlier, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu raised concerns about the human rights situation in West Papua. They cited reports of alleged violations that they said have not received adequate attention.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale called for an independent verification of the reports.
“Reports of human rights violations in West Papua have gone on for too long. They must be independently verified, rather than left as a matter of debate,” Wale said.
Wale also renewed calls for Indonesia to facilitate a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.
“Such a visit is an act of trust between friends and an affirmation that there is nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” Wale said.
The exchange highlights different positions over how Papua’s human rights situation should be addressed. Indonesia points to its national legal mechanisms, while Pacific leaders continue to call for independent verification and greater UN access.
