Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses

Gay Mitchell

Question:

59 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the worsening situation in West Papua New Guinea where the Indonesian military authorities are refusing to allow church groups access to the vulnerable population who are suffering through famine and drought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8511/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The Government has received with concern disturbing reports from Irian Jaya/West Papua that the Indonesian authorities are interfering with the activities of church groups and are hampering the distribution of humanitarian relief supplies in the area. The matter has been raised with partners in the European Union and an approach will be made to the Indonesian authorities if considered appropriate in the light of the consultations and inquiries that we are now making.

Since April of last year, the humanitarian situation in drought-affected Irian Jaya has been a source of concern. The entire island of New Guinea, which is shared by Irian Jaya/West Papua and by Papua New Guinea, has been suffering from resultant widespread malnutrition. The United Nations estimate that approximately 10 per cent of the population has been affected.

The Government has attempted to alleviate the situation by contributing to humanitarian assistance operations, in particular to efforts being made by the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, UNDHA, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC. A total of £150,000 has been provided by the Government over the past four months. The greater part of these funds, £125,000 has been specifically earmarked for use in Irian Jaya.