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UN rights office calls for full investigation of Papuan violence
Indonesia must carry out “thorough, independent and impartial” investigations into a string of violent incidents in its easternmost provinces, a United Nations spokesperson has said.
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An activist holds up a poster during a demonstration in Jakarta on Aug. 23, 2019, in opposition to an internet blackout in Papua and West Papua imposed following riots in a number of the provinces’ cities. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
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ndonesia must carry out “thorough, independent and impartial” investigations into a string of violent incidents in its easternmost provinces, a spokeswoman for the United Nations’ human rights office has said.
Tensions in the provinces of Papua and West Papua have risen in recent months amid altercations between security forces and armed rebel groups, some of which have ended in violence and death.
A slew of alleged killings involving minors in recent weeks has stoked fears among local residents, especially ahead of West Papua’s self-proclaimed independence anniversary on Dec. 1, which the Indonesian government does not recognize.
The Southeast Asian branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the restive region.
"We are disturbed by escalating violence over the past weeks and months [...] and the increased risk of renewed tension and violence," UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Monday.
Shamdasani cited a series of killings in Papua over the past three months, including the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old on Nov. 22 and the murder of a local public figure, pastor Yeremia Zanambani, in September.
The 17-year-old, named Atanius Wuka, was one of four civilians who were shot dead by unidentified assailants in two separate incidents in Papua’s Puncak regency last week. Another minor survived and went on to post a video about the incident that went viral.
