UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, Confesses Concern about the Condition of Papua

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, Confesses Concern about the Condition of Papua

Seeing the current conditions in the easternmost regions of Indonesia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN) Michelle Bachelet spoke out about the chaos caused by Papuan separatists. He claimed to be concerned with these conditions.

"I feel disturbed by the increase in violence in Papua and West Papua over the past two weeks, especially with the deaths of several demonstrators and security forces," Michelle said in an official release received by KBR on Wednesday (04/09/2019).

It turns out that so far Michelle has been observing the Papua issue even since December 2018. At that time there was a shooting of Trans Papua project workers in Nduga Regency which killed dozens of project workers.

"We have discussed our concerns with the Indonesian authorities. There should be no place for such violence in a democratic and diverse Indonesia," Michelle said.

Michelle encouraged the authorities in Indonesia to dialogue with the people of Papua and West Papua, to find out their aspirations. In addition, he hopes that internet service will be restored soon in the two provinces.

"Blocking the internet is against freedom of expression, and limiting communication can exacerbate tensions," he said.

Michelle also urged the Indonesian government to protect human rights activists, students and journalists from intimidation, and refrain from using excessive force.