Thursday, 01 November 2012 16:16

OPPRESSION IN WEST PAPUA

west_papua

Pax International

Christi Christian Peace Movement

Australia

National President: Father Claude Mostowik MSC

61+2+9550 3845

0411 450 953

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Senator the Hon Bob Carr

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Parliament House,

Canberra ACT 2600

October 30, 2012

 

Dear Senator Carr,

I have written to you before (March 17, 2012, May 24, 2012 and June 8, 2012,) on behalf of Pax Christi Australia and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre of our concerns regarding the ongoing repression, and oppression, of the West Papuan by the Indonesian military forces, some of which have been trained in Australia. We are also concerned at the apparent silence on this very serious issue.

When we turn a blind eye to the repression of any people, and ignore their plight, as we do, under the guise of recognising Indonesian sovereignty over the province, it is a stain on our national character. It does not contribute to the impression Australia likes to present to the world of being a ‘fine global citizen..

I would like to pose a number of questions to you, Senator, in the hope that you will respond to them:

During the recent demonstration by Papuans, the bloody intervention by the security forces left at least four casualties. Did your office condemn the violence and summon the Indonesian ambassador? If not, why not?

Are you willing to take any initiatives, and make approaches, to the Indonesian Government end the restriction on foreign journalists from entering the region?

The Government must urge Indonesia to end the violence in West Papua. The Australian Government knows full well of the atrocities occurring there and continues to look away. The bloodshed is alarming. The Australian people are becoming more aware of these atrocities being committed on their doorstep which is a repeat of East Timor under Indonesian rule. We cannot sit by and allow this to continue. The Government that you represent, Senator, now has an excellent opportunity to show real leadership in this region by engaging in, and facilitating continuing and fruitful dialogue between the Indonesian Government and the people of West Papua, who should have a say in their future, which to date, they have not. The two organisations that I represent, as I am sure many Australians, cannot stand by as people so close to us suffer so much.

I look forward to your response to these questions as soon as possible.

Your sincerely

Father Claude Mostowik msc

President, Pax Christi Australia

Director, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre

cc.

Hon Julie Bishop, Shadow for Foreign Affairs

Senator Christine Milne, Greens’ Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

Senator Richard Di Natale, Greens’ Spokesperson for West Papua