Goff's offer to host mediation between Indonesia and the West Papua independence movement welcome

8 October 2002

The Indonesia Human Rights Committee welcomes the West Papua mediation offer made in Indonesia by NZ Foreign Minister Goff.

" We hope that the government of Indonesia will accept this offer, and urge Mr Goff to persist with this initiative even if it is not immediately accepted, " said Maire Leadbeater speaking for the Indonesia Human Rights Committee.

"West Papua is at crisis point since the murders close to the Freeport mine at Timika. There are regular reports that East Timor style pro-Jakarta militia groups - including the Red and White Task Force and Laskar Jihad groups are gaining in strength. "

"These days a wide range of community leaders and civil organisations, including the Papua Presidium, are working for peace and for self-determination. Despite proposals for a zone of peace, the security forces in West Papua have announced a new crackdown aimed at all supporters of independence - armed and unarmed. Leaders of the respected human rights group Elsham have been threatened while carrying out investigations"

IHRC will congratulate Mr Goff and also urge him to support the international campaign for the United Nations to undertake a review of its actions in 1968-69 when West Papua was incorporated into Indonesia after a fraudulent "Act of Free Choice" . Only 1026 West Papuans 'voted' under duress - ushering in 40 years of deadly conflict in West Papua.

for further information : Maire Leadbeater tel 025 436 957
Indonesia Human Rights Committee
Media release

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