The Guardian 22 March, 2006
LETTER TO ALEXANDER DOWNER
Dear Mr Downer
I am writing to you concerning the dangerously deteriorating situation in West Papua.
As you are no doubt aware there have been major independence demonstrations taking place there over the last month.
Last week a peaceful protest by over 1,000 people was forcibly ended by the security forces. In the ensuing violence four security officers were killed, with dozens on both sides of the conflict seriously wounded. The situation is now one of escalating tension and fear.
There is now a crackdown in process and large numbers of young people have been arrested and tortured, with security forces conducting reprisals against the community at large.
I believe that this tragic episode is symptomatic of the profound impact on the West Papuan people during 44 years of marginalisation and repression, in which over 100,000 people have been killed.
Since the Indonesian authorities are known to have a dire record for not holding themselves accountable and the security forces have an entrenched history of impunity it is essential that there be an independent investigation into this latest crisis.
I therefore call on the Australian Government to mount an urgent lobby for an independent human rights investigation, preferably to be conducted by the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
I also urge the Australian Government to advocate for the opening up of West Papua to independent journalists, human rights workers and peace monitors.
I call on the Australian Government to support the West Papuan people’s right to self-determination.
The Australian Government must call on Indonesia to respect the New York Agreement, as ratified by the United Nations in 1962, and carry out the "Act of Free Choice" referendum, as promised.
Mr Downer, the right of the East Timorese to self-determination and an end to Indonesia’s brutal occupation was achieved under pressure from foreign governments, including Australia’s.
Urgent action is desperately needed now to in West Papua to prevent further bloodshed.
Yours faithfully,
You can post the letter to:
Hon. Alexander Downer, MPPO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Canberra ACT 2600