Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
60 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he will take during the last weeks of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union to address international concerns with regard to human rights abuses in West Papua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14500/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a demonstration of our commitment as Presidency to raise the level of our political dialogue with Indonesia, I led an EU ministerial Troika meeting with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr. Wirajuda. This was held in the margins of the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting, which I hosted in Kildare from 17 to 18 April 2004.
This was the first such meeting between the EU Presidency and Indonesia in a number of years. Among the matters discussed at this meeting was the situation in Papua. I used this opportunity to express the EU's continuing concerns about the situation there, including human rights abuses. Minister Wirajuda took note of our concerns, and added that respect for human rights and the rule of law were two of the most important pillars of the Reformasi process launched after the fall of Suharto in 1999. Special clauses have been inserted into the constitution to that effect, and an ad hoc human rights court had been set up. It is to be welcomed that this dialogue will be followed through under the Dutch Presidency.
The meeting in Kildare followed on a bilateral meeting that my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights, Deputy Kitt, held with Mr. Wirajuda at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting, which Minister Wirajuda hosted in Indonesia in July 2003. During this meeting issues of particular concern, including the human rights situation in Papua, were raised.
On 9 July 2003, the European Commission published a communication, A New Partnership with South East Asia. At the outset of our Presidency, in the January 2004 meeting of the EU External Relations Council, conclusions were adopted endorsing the communication, and the six strategic priorities set out therein, including the promotion of human rights, democratic principles and good governance.
In these conclusions, the EU welcomes the progress Indonesia has made in its democratic reform process and recognises the importance of the 2004 elections. The EU notes that the Indonesian Government has taken steps to punish members of the security forces responsible for human rights violations. While acknowledging Indonesia's legitimate concern to preserve its territorial integrity, we encourage the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect human rights and put an end to human rights violations occurring in particular in Papua, such as extra-judicial executions, disappearances and torture. Indonesia should take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of civilians, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and political activists.
In the course of the Presidency, officials of my Department continue to meet regularly with representatives of the West Papua Action Group. On 25 March 2004, they met Mr John Rumbiak, a human rights advocate of the Papua-based Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy, ELSHAM, Mr Viktor Kaisiepo, the European spokesperson, Papua Presidium Council, PDP, and Dr. John Otto Ondawame of the West Papua People's Representative Office.
The Government also continues to monitor closely the situation in Papua and encourages the authorities in Indonesia to act with full regard to the interests of the people of Papua. Together with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to support the development of a strengthened partnership and effective dialogue between the EU and Indonesia. The Government, at this time, sees this as the framework that is most likely to be effective for addressing our serious concerns about the situation, including human rights, in Papua.
