§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government to seek a halt to military operations in the Papua province of the country; [19334]
(2) what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government to (a) set up an independent commission to investigate recent atrocities in West Papua and (b) encourage the army and police security forces to collaborate fully with it; [19333]
(3) what assessment he has made of the involvement of special forces within the Indonesian police and army in the assassinations and murders reported in West Papua in recent weeks; [19332]
214W(4) what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government following reports of anti-civilian attacks by the Brimob force of the Indonesian police; [19336]
(5) what assessment his Department has made of the activities of the Brimob force within the Indonesian Police in West Papua; and if he will make a statement. [19335]
§ Mr. BradshawThere are frequent allegations of human rights abuses by the Indonesian security forces. HMG monitors events closely and raises concerns with the Indonesian authorities whenever necessary. We have repeatedly stressed to the Government that security forces should operate within the law and with strict regard to human rights. Through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, HMG are pursuing a security sector reform strategy, working with the Indonesian authorities and civil society to nurture debate about democratic control, transparency and accountability of the security forces, and to encourage greater respect for human rights.
HMG respect Indonesia's territorial integrity and believe that long-term solutions to its regional problems will be achieved only through political negotiation, not violence.
The circumstances surrounding the recent death of Theys Eluay, the pro-independence leader, are not clear. HMG have expressed concern and urged the Indonesian authorities to conduct a full and thorough investigation. The Indonesian Government has stated that they are committed to this. The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has also announced that it will carry out an independent investigation once the results of the police investigation have been made public.