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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

93 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has been contacted on the ongoing human rights crisis in West Papua; and the Government's attitude in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2233/01]

The Government is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in a number of regions of Indonesia, especially Irian Jaya, or West Papua as it is sometimes known, and also Aceh and the Moluccas. In all these there are religious and ethnic conflicts and secessionist tendencies. The situation is further compounded by the wide range of challenges facing the Indonesian Government in the period of consolidation of democracy and reforms in the wake of the 30 years of the Suharto dictatorship.

I am following closely developments in Indonesia, including Irian Jaya. I am glad to receive information, which comes from many sources, and my officials meet with concerned parties to discuss such matters.

Ireland and its EU partners have repeatedly made our concerns known to the Indonesian authorities. Last November the EU publicly expressed its concern at the climate of violence prevailing in a number of Indonesian provinces, including Irian Jaya. The most recent outbreak of violence in Irian Jaya at the beginning of last December claimed many lives and this issue was subsequently raised by the EU with Indonesia at the EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Laos later that month.

In this context the EU reiterated our readiness to support the efforts of the Indonesian Government towards political, economic and military reform, including moves towards decentralisation as a way of addressing secessionist demands in parts of the country, without affecting Indonesia's territorial integrity. The EU will continue to encourage the Indonesian Government to resolve regional conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means.

The EU has also initiated a political dialogue with Indonesia in which human rights issues are raised, and we will utilise every opportunity to encourage the Indonesian Government to respect human rights and the rule of law. Ireland further welcomes as a positive step the establishment of an Indonesian national commission on human rights which has started to work in co-operation with Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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