EU concerned about freedom of expression in Papua

The EU has expressed concern about the excessive use of force by security forces against demonstrators in West Papua and restrictions on access to the territory.

In a Question tabled in the European Parliament, Liberal Democrat MEP for North East England, Fiona Hall, cited TAPOL’s report, No political prisoners? The suppression of political protest in West Papua, and  asked what action the EU intended to take to curb political arrests and support freedom of speech.

The EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief, Catherine Ashton, said in her Answer that concerns had been raised during the 3^rd session of the EU-Indonesia Dialogue about the excessive use of force by security forces and blockages to visits to Papua by NGOs, international organisations and journalists.

She said that Indonesia should accept a request for a visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression which would include the situation in Papua.

Text of Question

Subject: Political Prisoners in West Papua

Author: Fiona Hall (ALDE – Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe)

The Indonesian government has denied the existence of political prisoners in West Papua, despite a significant increase in numbers of political arrests and convictions in recent months. Political prisoners are often tortured, abused and subject to unfair trials by security forces.

The Indonesian government’s strict and militarised control over West Papua criminalises political activity in order to suppress ongoing struggles for independence. According to a recent report by TAPOL (a UK-based NGO concerning for human rights, peace and democracy in Indonesia), the government keeps Papua closed to the international community to prevent foreigners from monitoring the human rights situation.

Considering EU-Indonesian dialogue on human rights, how does the EEAS intend to address the actions of Indonesian security forces against Papuans who are arrested and imprisoned for political offences?

What action is the EEAS taking to curb political arrests in Indonesia?

What action is the EEAS taking to encourage Indonesia to provide legitimate freedom of speech and democratic space in West Papua?

Will the EEAS be encouraging the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to prioritise the situation in West Papua during his visit to Indonesia this year?

28 June 2013

Answer given by High Representative/Vice President Ashton

E-007806/2013

The EU raised concerns about reports of excessive use of force by security forces against demonstrators in Papua  during the 3^rd session of the EU-lndonesia Human R ights D ialogue. The EU also raised blockages to visits to Papua by NGOs, international organisations and journalists.

The EU would encourage Indonesia to accept a request for a visit by the UN Specia Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression which would include the situation in Papua. 

21 August 2013