Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), revealed that his office received 65 complaints concerning alleged human rights abuses in Papua from January to December 2023. This announcement came during the 75th World Human Rights Day commemoration in Jayapura, Papua Province, on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Ramandey stated that out of the 65 complaints, 42 were related to alleged violations of civil and political Rights, predominantly involving armed violence.
“Meanwhile, the remaining 23 complaints were related to suspected violations of economic, social, and cultural Rights,” he added.
He further disclosed that as a consequence of the reported violence, 40 people died, 41 were injured, and one was held captive. Additionally, there was one report of a missing person; however, Komnas HAM Papua declared that this information could not be verified. These victims consisted of civilians (59), health workers (5), members of the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB (10), Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers (5), and police personnel (3).
“We are deeply concerned about the continuous string of violence. Our condolences go out to the victims,” he expressed.
Ramandey emphasized that the ongoing and repeated violence indicated flaws in handling the situation in Papua. He highlighted the significance of the Humanitarian Pause appeal made by several national figures in Jakarta on November 9, 2023, aimed at easing armed conflicts and improving the situation in Papua. Efforts to ease armed conflicts are essential for managing refugees and initiating peaceful dialogues in Papua to halt violence.
“Otherwise, the cycle of violence will only escalate,” he warned.
Komnas HAM Papua urged the TNI and police as well as the TPNPB to cease armed violence and seek legal and humanitarian approaches to resolve issues in Papua. They also called upon the provincial and municipal governments in Papua to prioritize human rights issues and create a violence-free living environment.
Additionally, Komnas HAM Papua stressed the importance of considering the rights of indigenous communities in the development of the newly formed province resulting from the division of Papua Province, in line with human rights values and principles. (*)
Correction:
(1) In the initial report, it was stated, “Ramandey stated that out of the 65 complaints, 43 were related to alleged violations of civil and political rights, predominantly involving armed violence. This information was revised to “Ramandey stated that out of the 65 complaints, 42 were related to alleged violations of civil and political Rights, predominantly involving armed violence.”
(2) Initially, it was reported, “He further disclosed that as a consequence of the reported violence, 40 people died, 41 were injured, one was held captive, and one person went missing.” This information was revised to “He further disclosed that as a consequence of the reported violence, 40 people died, 41 were injured, and one was held captive. Additionally, there was one report of a missing person; however, Komnas HAM Papua declared that this information could not be verified.” We apologize for any inaccuracies in the initial reporting.