“Between April and November 2021, we have received allegations indicating several instances of extrajudicial killings, including of young children, enforced disappearance, torture and inhuman treatment and the forced displacement of at least 5,000 indigenous Papuans by security forces,” the three independent experts said in a statement.
Special Rapporteurs Francisco Cali Tzay, who protects rights of indigenous peoples, Morris Tidball-Binz, who monitors extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, covering human rights of Internally Displaced Persons, called for urgent humanitarian access to the region and urged the Indonesian Government to conduct full and independent investigations into the abuses.
Thousands displaced
They said that since the escalation of violence in December 2018, the overall number of displaced has grown by 60,000 to 100,000 people.
“The majority of IDPs [internally displaced persons] in West Papua have not returned to their homes due to the heavy security force presence and ongoing armed clashes in the conflict areas,” the UN experts explained.
Disturbing reports
Apart from ad hoc aid deliveries, humanitarian relief agencies have had limited or no access to the IDPs, they said.
“We are particularly disturbed by reports that humanitarian aid to displaced Papuans is being obstructed by the authorities”.
Moreover, severe malnutrition has been reported in some areas with lack of access to adequate and timely food and health services.
‘Tip of the iceberg’
On a dozen occasions, the experts have written to the Indonesian Government about numerous alleged incidents since late 2018.
“These cases may represent the tip of the iceberg given that access to the region is severely restricted making it difficult to monitor events on the ground,” they warned.
End violations
“Urgent action is needed to end ongoing human rights violations against indigenous Papuans,” the experts said, advocating for independent monitors and journalists to be allowed access to the region.
They outlined steps that include ensuring all alleged violations receive thorough, “prompt and impartial investigations”.
