Indonesia’s Human Rights Record in West Papua

Franciscans Internasional.

Papuan People

FI Hot on the heels of the 21st session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the 14th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Franciscans International (FI) hosted human rights defenders from West Papua, Indonesia, in Geneva on November 8th. As part of its Asia-Pacific Advocacy Programme, FI convened a roundtable discussion which brought together representatives from the Permanent Missions to the UN of the Netherlands and Germany, as well as from the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Defenders, OMCT (World Organization against Torture), and Edmund Rice International.     

The participants discussed the current human rights situation in the Papua provinces. The issue of Indonesia’s closed-door policy was raised as the international community, including foreign journalists and politicians, continue to be denied access to West Papua. Consistent with the HRC’s panel discussions on intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders, participants spoke of enforced disappearances carried out by the Indonesian military, plaguing the region’s civil society organizations. 

Many concluded that while the Indonesian government has blamed West Papuans for the recent deaths of two journalists from Germany and Australia visiting the region, these events appear to have been used as a ploy to criminalize human rights defenders, labeling them as “terrorists”, and for using excessive force against them.

As the discussion unfolded, many stressed the importance of constructive dialogue with the Indonesian government, military and various other stakeholders, although they were doubtful as to whether this has been achieved yet.

Despite the fact that Indonesia accepted several recommendations relevant to West Papua during its second UPR in May 2012, the human rights defenders indicated that the State has not undertaken concrete action to implement them or to initiate a dialogue with West Papuans. Participants spoke of the dubious trust that has been established between the parties involved, after nearly fifty years of Indonesian rule in West Papua from 1963 to 2012. 

Mention was made of ceasing foreign aid to Indonesia as this has previously been used for military purposes. Alternatively, a constructive way of engaging the Indonesian government on the issue of West Papua was suggested by participants, who hoped to challenge the country’s role as mediator on the international level if it remains unable to achieve a peaceful solution through dialogue with its own people.

The roundtable discussion continued by focusing on strategies for monitoring the implementation of UPR recommendations and related challenges. Participants argued that travel restrictions to West Papua enforced by the Indonesian government would, however, impede the monitoring of the region’s human rights record. 

A participant also noted that a recent trend has been to deny access to NGOs with projects in West Papua, including Peace Brigades International and CORDAID, the Dutch Catholic overseas development agency. Nevertheless, participants remained optimistic, and the human rights defenders concluded by praying for “Indonesia to open its heart” to dialogue and peace in West Papua. 

Human Rights mechanisms: Solutions or problems?

There were two meetings recently concerning two regional human rights mechanisms, which are important for Indonesia’s foreign policy. The first meeting was the 8th ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) in Brunei Darussalam on Aug. 24-26, 2012. The second was the 2nd Independent and Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Ankara, Turkey on Aug. 27-31, 2012.

Among other things, the OIC meeting was to adopt draft rules and procedure addressing human rights problems OIC and non-OIC countries such as Syria, Mali and the Rohingya Muslim problems in Myanmar.

AICHR was established on Oct. 23, 2009 in Thailand, based on Article 14 of the Charter. It members comprise 10 representatives from 10 ASEAN member countries.

Although the main objective of the commission is to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for the peoples of ASEAN, member states opt for the “promotion first, protection later” formula for AICHR. It was designed without the power of investigation, monitoring, enforcement and interpretation of its Terms of Reference (TOR). The Commission is not equipped with a communication mechanism that allows members to reach out to people who endure human rights abuses on a daily basis.

Likewise, the statutes do not give the Commission a mandate to investigate human rights violations in member states. Rather is an advisory organ. Article 14 of the statutes say that the Commission is further restricted in the sense that it can only offer advice to “approving member states”.

While ASEAN member states appoint their representatives to AICHR for a period of three years, IPHRC employs a competitive selection process for its commissioners. Member states from three geographical areas (Africa, Asia and Middle East) can nominate candidates prior to the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), which elect the experts to work for three years, renewable once.

The formation of the two commissions is considered a landmark of institutional reform within the organizations known for their conservative perception of human rights. The commissions have raised the profile of ASEAN and OIC in the international community.

The current draft of the AHRD has included almost all rights guaranteed in the Universal Human Rights Declaration. But a number of sensitive issues remain, such as the rights of migrant workers, LGBTIQ, indigenous people and minorities and sexual rights.

Its “general principles” specifies that the implementation of rights must consider the regional and national context, bearing in mind different political, economic, legal, social, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Furthermore, the section also states that the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms shall be subject to such limitations as determined by law and to meet the just requirements of national security, public order, public health, public safety, public morality, as well as the general welfare of the peoples in a democratic society. Having said this, ASEAN has different standpoint on the limitations.

Besides, its closing paragraph says that the declaration may not be interpreted as encouraging any state, group or person to undermine the purposes and principles of ASEAN, which refers to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN member states.

These unresolved issues in AHRD, scheduled to be signed during the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in November this year, have rendered human rights meaningless.

Article 15 of the Charter states that IPHRC “shall promote the civil, political, social and economic rights enshrined in the organization’s covenants and declarations and in universally agreed human rights instruments, in conformity with Islamic values”.

Moreover, the 1990 Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam claims that Sharia is the only supreme source of reference (Article 25). Article 24 declares, “All the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Sharia”. Article 22 stipulates, “Everyone shall have the right to express his opinion freely in such manner as would not be contrary to principles of Sharia.” Article 12 affirms, “every man shall have the right, within the framework of Sharia, to free movement”, which leads to the understanding that women can only travel with their muhrims (brother or husbands).

Its preamble asserts that fundamental rights and universal freedoms are “binding divine commandments, which contained in the Revealed Books of God and were sent through the Last of His Prophet”. This point submits to the Koran and the Prophet Muhammad.

While regional human rights mechanisms can be more sensitive to the problems and needs of the region and its people or ummah, it should uphold and respect international standards.

The establishment of AICHR and IPHRC can provide a unique opportunity for ASEAN and OIC to genuinely reform their view of human rights. To increase legitimacy and credibility which the two commissions are lacking, the two bodies should raise their bar on human rights high.

AHRD should set up common values and principles of achievement on human rights for all peoples and nations in Southeast Asia. Cairo Declaration should be revised to empower individuals, rather than states. These standards should not confuse the universal human rights norms.

ASEAN and OIC need to promote human rights. Both, in fact, have potential to contribute to the protection of human rights. More importantly, the commissions will show their relevance to the lives of people in the region in dealing with 21st century challenges.

AICHR and IPHRC should be part of the solution, rather than problems. They can play a role in transforming their member states from being the target of international scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses to be the promoter of fundamental freedoms around the world.

 The Jakarta Post News

---

The writer is senior advisor on ASEAN and Human Rights at Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) in Jakarta. The opinions expressed are her own.

oint Oral Statement in the Adoption of the Outcome Document in the Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia

United Nations Human Rights Council

21st Regular Session, 10 to 28 September 2012  Agenda Item 6

Joint Oral Statement by the ICJ and FIDH in the Adoption of the Outcome Document in the Universal Periodic Review of Indonesia

19 September 2012

Madam President,

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) welcome the acceptance by the Government of Indonesia of the recommendation to ratify the Convention Against Enforced Disappearances and its commitment to combat impunity in the country. This commitment is significant not only nationally, but also regionally, since Indonesia plays an integral role in the establishment of an ASEAN human rights mechanism. 

Combating impunity, which includes fulfilling the rights to truth and to reparation for victims of enforced disappearances, will not only have enormous positive impact on Indonesia, but also on the entire region.

It is in this light that we support the call of human rights defenders in Indonesia to the Government to set up an ad hoc Human Rights Court to look into the case of 13 pro-democracy activists who "disappeared" from 1997 to 1998. More than a decade has passed since their enforced disappearance and their families continue to wait to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones. 

The rights to truth and reparation are expressly recognized under international law, including under the Set of Principles for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights Through Action to Combat Impunity, which provides that States should "ensure the inalienable right to know the truth about violations". In the case of death or enforced disappearance, this includes the right of victims' families to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones. The Set of Principles also asserts that violations of human rights give rise to the right to reparation on the part of the victim or the victim's beneficiaries.

We therefore urge the Government of Indonesia to act on its expressed commitment to combat impunity in the country and immediately and effectively resolve all cases of enforced disappearance in the country.

Indonesia denies it has any indigenous peoples

The government of Indonesia has responded to UN recommendations to recognise the rights of its indigenous peoples by claiming that none live in Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia is home to an estimated 50-70 million indigenous and tribal people.

In a response to the United Nations Periodic Review, a four–year human rights check-up for all countries, Indonesia said this month, "The Government of Indonesia supports the promotion and protection of indigenous people worldwide… Indonesia, however, does not recognise the application of the indigenous peoples concept… in the country".

This More News: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/

The UN’s report recommended that Indonesia should consider ratifying ILO Convention 169, the only international law for indigenous and tribal peoples. It also recommended that Indonesia should secure the rights of indigenous peoples, especially to their traditional lands, territories and resources. Indonesia’s denial of the existence of indigenous peoples within its borders was in response to this.

Survival International, the NGO which campaigns for the rights of tribal people, believes that Indonesia treats its indigenous and tribal people, especially in West Papua, worse than any other country in the world. In West Papua killings, torture and rape of tribal people are commonplace – the figure of 100,000 people killed since 1963 is believed to be a conservative estimate.

The denial of the very existence of indigenous peoples in Indonesia is symptomatic of the government’s total disregard for their rights.

Indonesia’s President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will travel to the UK for a State visit on October 31st.
[Ekk/4]

RI refuses to comply with UN on human rights

Saat Delegasi RI di Sidang UPR (photo KontraS)

The country will likely register a bleak record in the protection of religious minorities in the next four years following the government’s decision to reject a recommendation from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) urging Indonesia to revoke laws and regulations that curb religious freedom.

The UNHRC’s quadrennial “Universal Periodic Review” in May requested that Indonesia amend or revoke laws and regulations that banned religious freedom, including the 1965 Blasphemy Law, the 1969 and 2006 ministerial decrees on the construction of places of worship, and the 2008 joint ministerial decree on Ahmadiyah.

In response, the Indonesian government has included them on list of items that “the government is unable to support”. The government is expected to present its response at the UNHRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sept. 19.

The government maintains that the 1965 Blasphemy Law, for example, is guaranteed by the Constitution.

National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) chairman Ifdhal Kasim said the Blasphemy Law had commonly been abused by the majority to suppress minority groups.

“It’s crucially important that we amend the 1965 Blasphemy Law; otherwise, the government will gradually allow the majority to force those in minority groups to convert to its mainstream teachings,” Ifdhal said.

A coalition of human rights watchdogs have urged the government to change its decision and adopt the recommendation in order to prove its commitment to upholding and protecting minority rights in the country.

“Religious intolerance will continue to grow in the future unless the government revokes discriminatory laws, such as the 1965 Blasphemy Law. Majority groups have been using that law as an excuse to attack minority groups, such as the Ahmadiyah and Shia followers,” Choirul Anam, from the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), said on Monday.

Choirul added that the government could amend or revoke some of the laws, although the Constitutional Court had upheld the 1965 Blasphemy Law when civil rights groups filed for a judicial review in 2010.

In addition to rejecting recommendations on religious rights, the government also states in its report for the UNHRC that it is unable to allow foreign journalists free access to Papua and West Papua, as proposed by the French delegation during the May meeting.

The Indonesian government also refuses to allow the entry of the United Nations special rapporteurs on indigenous people and minority groups into the country. The Foreign Ministry said the government had abided by the Constitution when drafting its response to the recommendations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Michael Tene said the government’s refusal to adopt the recommendation on the Blasphemy Law was simply because it was subject to the Constitution.

“The Constitutional Court ruled that the 1965 Blasphemy Law conformed with our Constitution. We must respect the Constitutional Court as it is the highest legal institution in the country,” Tene said.

As for the government’s refusal to allow foreign journalists to enter Papua, Tene said: “This doesn’t mean that we prohibit foreign journalists from entering Papua. We can allow them to go there as long as they follow all the regulations laid out by the government,” Tene said.

In its report, the government also rejects a recommendation to halt human rights violations by military personnel and police officers, and put an end to the general state of impunity in Papua, as recommended by Japan, arguing that “the recommendations do not reflect the actual situation in the province referred to”.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/

 

UNHRC: Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Indonesia

Human Rights Council, Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review

Thirteenth session, Geneva, 21 May–4 June 2012

Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic
Review

Indonesia

* The final document will be issued under the symbol A/HRC/21/7. The annex to the present
report is circulated as received.
United Nations A/HRC/WG.6/13/L.5
General Assembly Distr.: Limited

25 May 2012

Original: English

A/HRC/WG.6/13/L.5

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of Indonesia was held at the 5th meeting on 23 May 2012. The delegation of Indonesia was headed by H.E. Dr. R. M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs. At its 10th meeting held on 25 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Indonesia.

2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Indonesia: Botswana, Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21 of 25 March 2011, the following documents were issued for the review of Indonesia:

(a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Indonesia through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR.

Here Download Full Report UPR-UNHRC Report

INDONESIA: Rekomendasi UPR 2012: Tantangan Komitmen Indonesia dalam Penegakan HAM 4 Tahun ke Depan

Pernyataan bersama KontraS, SETARA Institute, Asian Human Rights Commission, International Center for Transitional Justice, Persekutuan Gereja Indonesia dan Protection International.

Published: http://www.humanrights.asia/news/

KontraS (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan), SETARA Institute, AHRC (Asian Human Rights Commission), ICTJ (International Center for Transitional Justice), PGI (Persekutuan Gereja Indonesia) serta Protection International (PI) menyambut baik rekomendasi hasil sidang UPR (Universal Periodic Review) yang dirilis pada 25 Mei kemarin. Sidang UPR telah meluncurkan segudang rekomendasi penting yang harus ditindaklanjuti oleh pemerintah Indonesia dalam 4 tahun ke depan dalam penegakan HAM.

Tercatat total 74 negara anggota yang berpartisipasi dalam sidang yang digelar 23 Mei 2012 tersebut telah melakukan review terhadap laporan yang disampaikan oleh pemerintah Indonesia. 27 diantaranya anggota Dewan HAM dan 47 lainnya negara-negara peninjau. Tercatat bahwa negara-negara ASEAN telah juga berpartisipasi dalam mereview kondisi HAM di Indonesia.

Terhadap rekomendasi yang diadopsi oleh kelompok kerja UPR pada sesi ke-2 ini, kami melihat sebagai rekomendasi yang cukup komprehensif untuk mengukur komitmen pemerintah Indonesia dalam penegakan HAM yang meliputi banyak isu. Dalam rilis ini kami menghilight beberapa isu yang menjadi konsern dan telah disampaikan dalam laporan versi masyarakat sipil yang telah kami submit sebelum sidang.

Pertama, rekomendasi banyak menggarisbawahi beberapa agenda yang sudah termaktub di dalam Rencana Aksi Nasional (Ranham 2011-2014) diantaranya menyangkut ratifikasi beberapa instrumen internasional yang tersendat. Sebut saja ratifikasi Rome Statue ICC serta OPCAT yang sudah masuk dalam Ranham periode tahun sebelumnya serta masuk dalam rekomendasi UPR pada sesi pertama 2004-2011. Namun, hingga masuk pada review UPR kedua kemarin dua instrument tersebut belum terlihat progress yang signifikan dan bahkan dimasukkan kembali pada Ranham berikutnya 2011-2014. Dalam rekomendasi juga disebutkan adanya pemenuhan ratifikasi Konvensi anti penghilangan Paksa.

Kedua, Rekomendasi atas jaminan penghentian tindakan penyiksaan yang dihubungkan dengan proses amandemen KUHP yang tidak kunjung terselesaikan. Penyiksaan sebagai sebuah kejahatan dalam sidang UPR putaran ke-dua ini banyak disinggung untuk masuk kedalam amandemen KUHP sesuai dengan Konvensi anti penyiksaan yang telah di ratifikasi oleh pemerintah Indonesia. Rekomendasi terhadap amandemen KUHP ini juga muncul sebelumnya pada rekomendasi sidang UPR putaran pertama (2004-2011). Sehubungan dengan penghentian tindakan penyiksaan tersebut, kembali rekomendasi UPR 2012 merekomendasikan adanya pelatihan bagi aparat keamanan serta penegakan hukum dengan membawa para pelaku ke pengadilan sipil dan bukan pengadilan militer (dalam hal pelaku berasal dari kesatuan militer).

Ketiga, keprihatinan pada kondisi kebebasan beragama dan berkeyakinan banyak disampaikan oleh negara-negara dalam sidang UPR 2012 ini. Atas hal itu, rekomendasi yang dikeluarkan khusus menyinggung kebebasan beragama dan berkeyakinan tentang jaminan pelaksanaan kebebasan beragama dan berkeyakinan termasuk mengkhususkan pada kelompok seperti Ahmadiyah, Bahai, Syiah dan Kristen. Dalam rekomendasi ini juga menekankan kepada pemerintah Indonesia untuk mencabut/mengamandemen beberapa perundang-undangan yang ada yang mendiskriminasikan langsung dan tidak langsung terhadap suatu agama atau keyakinan, dimana perundang-undangan tersebut tidak sejalan dengan konstitusi RI dan mekanisme internasional.

Keempat, terkait dengan jaminan perlindungan Pembela HAM, rekomendasi UPR 2012 menekankan kepada pemerintah Indonesia untuk memberikan kepastian atas lingkungan yang aman untuk mendukung kerja-kerja Pembela HAM termasuk juga jaminan untuk melakukan investigasi independen dan tidak parsial atas tindakan kekerasan terhadap pembela HAM dan memastikan adanya proses hukum.

Kelima, spesifik dengan kondisi di Papua, rekomendasi UPR 2012 banyak mengkaitkan dengan isu kebebasan berekspresi khususnya berekspresi dalam isu politik. Penekanan atas jaminan kebebasan berekspresi termasuk diantaranya jaminan kebebasan berpendapat dengan mengakhiri pemberlakukan pasal 106 dan 110 KUHP. Situasi di Papua yang masih jauh dari kemudahan akses para jurnalis, pada rekomendasi kali ini jurnalis baik asing maupun local dipastikan terpenuhi jaminan untuk memperoleh akses dengan bebas untuk masuk ke Papua dan Papua Barat. Pertanggungjawaban atas serangkaian pelanggaran HAM di Papua yang dilakukan oleh militer dan polisi serta iklim impunitas direkomendasikan untuk segera dihentikan.

Keenam, melawan impunitas menjadi rekomendasi yang umum untuk beberapa serangkaian isu yang digarisbawahi dalam rekomendasi UPR 2012. Melawan impunitas dalam hal ini dengan memperkuat undang-undang dan peraturan lainnya termasuk di tingkat pelaksanaannya.

Ketujuh, reformasi di tingkat sector keamanan menjadi bagian rekomendasi yang spesifik disampaikan sebagai upaya meningkatkan penghormatan terhadap HAM dan aturan hukum melalui reformasi pendidikan dan institusi.

Dari serangkaian rekomendasi yang telah disampaikan tersebut diatas, kami menilai bahwa rekomendasi tersebut lebih konkrit dari rekomendasi 4 tahun lalu yang serta merta menjadikan rekomendasi tersebut sabagai tantangan bagi pemerintah Indonesia dalam 4 tahun ke depan dalam penegakan HAM.

Untuk itu kami mendesak kepada pemerintah terkait untuk merealisasikan rekomendasi-rekomendasi tersebut dalam turunan yang lebih konkrit, sehingga perkembangan dari masing-masing rekomendasi tersebut dapat diukur tingkat keberhasilan dalam periode waktu tertentu menuju pada review UPR berikutnya. Konkritnya, kami meminta agar Presiden segera memanggil sejumlah pejabat teras dari institusi-institusi yang terkait dengan isu-isu diatas; seperti Ketua Mahkamah Agung, Kapolri, Jaksaan Agung, Menteri Hukum dan HAM, Ketua Komnas HAM dan lainnya, untuk memastikan bahwa ada upaya yang serius dalam implementasi terkait perlindungan HAM. Tak kurang, kami dari masyarakat sipil pun bersedia untuk menjadi mitra dalam pemenuhan HAM tersebut.

KontraS, SETARA Institute, AHRC, ICTJ, PGI and PI

# # #

Tentang AHRC: Asian Human Rights Commission adalah sebuah organisasi non pemerintah yang melakukan pemantauan dan lobi-lobi terhadap isu-isu HAM di Asia. Organisasi yang bermarkas di Hong Kong ini didirikan pada tahun 1984.

Etan: West Papua Report May 2012

This is the 97th in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org. 

Summary: 

One demonstrator was reportedly killed, two were wounded, and 13 arrested in May 1 demonstrations throughout West Papua. The protests marked the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's coerced annexation of West Papua. Indonesian government plans to continue to send settlers from outside into West Papua ("transmigration") has prompted protests from Papuan organizations who fear the further marginalization of Papuans and growing communal tensions. 
Several international organizations have protested continued, longstanding efforts by the Indonesian government to cover up human rights violations by preventing journalists and rights observers from traveling to or within West Papua. Following large scale peaceful demonstrations in Serui district, Indonesian security forces have launched a crackdown involving sweep operations. 
The shooting of a civilian aircraft as it landed at an airport in the Puncak Jaya area caused civilian casualties and has prompted unproven charges by authorities that the perpetrators were the Papuan armed resistance organization, the OPM. Papuan leaders have called on the government to conduct a transparent investigation and to engage with local civil and government organizations to put an end to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Puncak Jaya region. 
They note that security force resort to force in dealing with incidents harms innocent local civilians who are often driven from their homes. Despite its obligations under Indonesian and International law, the Indonesian government is refusing to fund urgently needed medical treatment for Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma. Two new reports reveal extensive "land grabbing" by corporations, backed by the Indonesian government, at the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) project in southern West Papua. Indonesia faces a quadrennial review of its human rights performance by the UN Human Rights Commission. WPAT member Dr. Eben Kirksey has authored a new book on West Papua.

Contents:

• Arrests and Shootings of Protesters Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua
• New Transmigration Plans Prompt Protest and Fears of Communal Conflict in West Papua
• Indonesian Government Covers Up Human Rights Abuse and Repression in West Papua
• Security Forces Launch Crackdown, Sweeps in Serui District
• Shooting of Civilian Aircraft Raises Concern over New Sweep Operations by Security Forces
• Political Prisoner Filep Karma Denied Urgent Medical Treatment
• New Organization Emerges to Support Local Papuans Facing Land Grabs Such as the MIFEE Project
• Indonesia to Face Quadrennial UN Human Rights Review in May
• WPAT Member Dr. Eben Kirksey Book on West Papua Published

Arrests and Shootings of Demonstrators Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua

Ketika ASNLF Menarik Perhatian Pegiat HAM

 

 Foto: dok pribadiDelegasi Aceh Yusuf Daud dua dari kanan di sidang HAM Dewan PBB

 

Jenewa - Di pintu rapat sejumlah pria parlente dan wanita berseragam kantor berdiri rapi layaknya antrian. Di depan barisan, berdiri dua polisi berbadan tegap. Mereka  nyaris tidak pernah bicara. Matanya awas memandangi peserta yang masuk pintu pemeriksaan. Di sudut kiri kanan terlihat kamera CCTV. Satu persatu maju sambil meletakkan barang bawaan di mesin pemindai.

"Your glasses please," ujar petugas kepada penulis yang kebetulan lupa meletakkan kaca mata. Layaknya masuk ke area bandar udara, begitu pula memasuki ruangan acara rapat yang membahas tinjauan periodik universal sesi 13 - UPR (Universal Periodic Review), Rabu, (23/5) Jenewa.
Hari itu, ruang XX lantai 2, sekira pukul 9:00-12:30 giliran delegasi Indonesia memberikan laporan periodik HAM selama 4 tahun sebelumnya. Dari meja lingkar terdepan, duduk manis Menteri Luar Negeri Indonesia Marty Natalagewa didampingi stafnya.

Diluar kelaziman jika seorang menteri luar negeri sebuah negara langsung yang membaca dan menjawab tanggapan. Indonesia sudah mengantisipasi mendapat tantangan berat dari NGO dan pemerintah karena rekomendasi-rekomendasi dari UPR 2008 tidak seluruhnya dilaksanakan. Oleh sebab itu, Indonesia mempersiapkan delegasi tingkat tinggi yang terdiri dari 13 orang dan dipimpin langsung oleh Menteri Luar Negerinya.
Di belakang delegasi Indonesia terbentang layar jumbo ukuran bioskop dan perwakilan negara-negara duduk di kursi melingkar menghadap mimbar. Sejurus kemudian, pemimpin rapat H.E Mr Andras Dekany memberikan sambutan. Di akhir ucapannya, dia mempersilahkan Indonesia memberikan laporan, yang diikuti oleh tanggapan-tanggapan dari 74 negara atas laporan Indonesia selama 95 detik per negara.
Dalam mekanisme UPR tidak diatur peranan NGO memberi tanggapan. Walaupun demikian, para NGO kaliber international cukup lihai melobi dan menciptakan mekanisme sendiri untuk menggugat Indonesia, baik melalui lisan atau tulisan.

 

 Foto: Asnawi AliSuasana forum UPR (Universal Periodic Review), Rabu, (23/5) di Jenewa

 

Seperti diduga sebelumnya, Indonesia melaporkan hal-hal yang positif saja. Dari uraian normatif, Marty menjelaskan terdapat kemajuan penegakan hak asasi terutama masalah kebebasan beragama. Sebagai contoh, dia menuturkan ada kesalahpahaman di mana Indonesia bukan hanya mengakui 6 agama resmi selain Islam, Protestan, Katolik, Hindu, Budha, Konghucu juga kepercayaan lainnya. Sejumlah negara mempertanyakan kejadian penyerangan terhadap penganut Ahmadiah, Syiah dan kaum minoritas lainnya. Dalam sisi lain, Marty mencari alibi dengan mengatakan bahwa "Indonesia mempunyai keragaman etnis, budaya dan agama serta bentuk geografis yang besar. Namun, dalam memberikan perlindungan dan peningkatan HAM ke depan diusahakan tidak akan berjalan di tempat," ujar Marty dengan mimik serius.

Sementara itu, anggota-angota negara ASEAN memberikan tanggapan yang sangat umum bahkan memuji layaknya negara sahabat. Aktivis HAM Indonesia yang enggan menyebutkan namanya malah sudah mengatakan kepada penulis agar tidak terkejut.

"Saya yakin mereka sudah kontak beberapa hari sebelumnya untuk lobi dan meyakinkan agar memberikan penilaian yang baik kepada Indonesia. Jadi, seperti hubungan timbal balik" ujar aktivis tersebut yang paham betul dengan mekanisme beluk sidang UPR.

Dalam komentar lainnya, negara dari Eropa menekan Indonesia agar meninjau kembali serta menghapuskan undang-undang hukuman mati, mengratifikasi Konvensi ROME tentang Pengadilan Kriminal Iternasional (ICC), tentang impunitas terhadap pelanggaran militer, latihan pendidikan HAM untuk polisi dan militer Indonesia, perbaikan undang-undang untuk perlindungan pekerja migran.

Berkaitan dengan daerah konflik, yang sering disinggung adalah kejadian di provinsi Papua dan Papua Barat. Hal kejutan terdapat saat sejumlah negara Eropa menyinggung kekerasan yang terjadi di kedua provinsi tersebut. Bahkan dari Australia dan Swiss menyarankan agar Indonesia mengedepankan dialog dan bekerja sama dengan pihak NGO.

“Kemitraan dengan pihak lembaga bukan pemerintah diharapkan menjadi prioritas” tekan mereka dalam ucapannya. Spanyol meminta kepada Indonesia agar diberikan akses kepada pembela hak asasi manusia, wartawan dan diplomat ke provinsi Papua dan Papua Barat.
Kejutan lainnya terjadi saat menyinggung Aceh. Negeri matador itu dalam poinnya meminta agar menghilangkan undang-undang kriminal terhadap bagi kaum homoseksual di mana sejak diperkenalkannya Syariah Islam pada tahun 2002.
Sementara itu, delegasi ASNLF yang diwakili oleh Yusuf Daud, sejak awal mengikuti jalannya rapat secara seksama mengambil inisiatif memperkenalkan HAM Aceh yang belum selesai. Salah satu mekanisme yang bisa dipakai ujar warga Swedia keturunan Aceh ini dengan membuat pernyataan sikap dari Acheh Sumatra National Libeartion Front (ASNLF).
“Pernyataan ini sangat penting kita bagi-bagikan sebelum adopsi laporan dan kesimpulan tentang Indonesia Jumat esok” ujarnya. Rencananya, pernyataan berbentuk kesimpulan HAM itu akan dibagi-bagikan ke depan panitia dan meja para hampir setiap delegasi negara, terutama Negara Uni Eropa.
Setelah rehat siang selama 2 jam, dalam ruangan berbeda di XXV Palais des Nations namun di bangunan yang sama, ditampilkan sesi tambahan bertajuk "Voices from the Ground Assesing Indonesia's Human Rights Developments through the UPR". Acara yang disponsori oleh NGO kaliber internasional seperti Forum Asia, Infid, Human Right Watch, Franciscans International dan ILGA ini menampilkan pembicara dari aktivis HAM dari Jakarta Rafendi Djamin (HRWG), Ifdhal Kasim (Komnas HAM) Yuniyanti Chuzaifah (Komnas Perempuan).
Dalam undangan terdapat daftar perwakilan ELSAM Papua namun berhalangan hadir dan diwakili oleh NGO Franciscans International. Mereka mempresentasikan permasalahan HAM Indonesia versi LSM yang berbeda seperti presentasi delegasi Indonesia beberapa jam sebelumnya. Layaknya oposisi, mekanisme demikian ditujukan untuk memberikan kesempatan kepada pihak lain agar menerima informasi kedua belah pihak.

Dari dalam bangunan kantor PBB urusan HAM yang megah Jenewa ini, berbagai bahasa, kaum dan bangsa dari 4 penjuru mata dunia datang dan duduk sejajar membicarakan masalah hak asasi manusia disetiap negaranya. Dari sini pula, akan menjadi pedoman untuk peningkatan HAM setipa negara di empat tahun mendatang.
Source: http://www.theglobejournal.com/Politik/

Intervensi AS di UPR Bagi di Indonesia

Dewan HAM PBB Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 13 Grup Rapat Kerja
UPR Intervensi untuk Indonesia ( Published http://geneva.usmission.gov/)
Jenewa, 23 Mei 2012 (Seperti yang dirancang)
Amerika Serikat menyambut baik Menteri Marty Natalegawa dan delegasi Indonesia untuk Kelompok Kerja UPR.
Kami memuji Indonesia untuk transformasi yang luar biasa dari pemerintah otoriter menjadi demokrasi penuh.
Kami memuji kuat terus, pekerjaan independen dari bahasa Indonesia Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia, yang berfungsi sebagai model regional.
Dan, kami memuji Indonesia untuk mengejar pendekatan kesejahteraan di Papua, dan penciptaan Unit Percepatan Pembangunan di Papua dan Papua Barat untuk membantu menerapkan pendekatan ini dan menangani akar keluhan Papua.
Kami khawatir, bagaimanapun, dengan kegagalan pemerintah untuk membuat, menerbitkan dan menegakkan kerangka kerja pemerintah macam pertanggungjawaban atas pelanggaran oleh militer dan polisi. Selain itu, personel militer bertanggung jawab atas pelanggaran terakhir di Papua dan Papua Barat dihukum karena kejahatan ringan tidak sepadan dengan pelanggaran serius yang mereka lakukan, hasil yang sering karena Indonesia tidak mengkriminalisasi penyiksaan.
Kami tetap khawatir tentang kegagalan pemerintah untuk melindungi minoritas agama tertentu, khususnya komunitas Ahmadiyah dan Kristen.
Kami tetap prihatin tentang tuduhan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia di Papua dan Papua Barat dan keterbatasan pemerintah pada akses ke daerah-daerah oleh para wartawan dan organisasi masyarakat sipil.
Mengingat masalah ini, Amerika Serikat membuat bahwa rekomendasi berikut:
Secara khusus mengkriminalisasi penyiksaan dalam KUHP Anda dan memastikan bahwa para pejabat keamanan harus bertanggung jawab atas penyiksaan dan pelanggaran HAM;      

Akhir penuntutan di bawah Pasal 106 dan 110 KUHP Anda untuk berolahraga secara internasional dilindungi hak kebebasan berekspresi, dan mengevaluasi kembali keyakinan dan kalimat individu dituntut karena tindakan tersebut, dan
 Lembaga pelatihan dan kampanye kesadaran bagi para pejabat provinsi dan kota di menghormati aturan hukum berkaitan dengan melindungi kebebasan beragama dan hak-hak lainnya dari anggota agama minoritas.

Keprihatinan internasional tentang Papua dan Papua Barat Meningkat Tajam

TAPOL siaran pers ( see here )

Catatan hak asasi manusia Indonesia terakhir di Dewan HAM PBB

London Vocice-Baptist, 23 Mei 2012 - Hari ini, manusia Indonesia Catatan hak ditinjau oleh Dewan HAM PBB selama sesi 13 Review Periodik Universal di Jenewa, Swiss. Kekhawatiran tentang hak asasi manusia di Papua meningkat tajam sejak review terakhir tahun 2008, dengan sejumlah besar negara anggota meningkatkan kekhawatiran tentang kebebasan berekspresi, pembela HAM dan tahanan politik di wilayah tersebut.

Inilah Ringkasan Kontras Sidang UPR PBB untuk Kondisi HAM Indonesia

Pemerintah Indonesia Defensif

 

Sidang UPR PBB (foto kontras)

KontraS mengapresiasi negara-negara yang secara aktif memberikan pertanyaan dan rekomendasi perbaikan kondisi HAM di Indonesia lewat sidang Universal Periodical Review (UPR) 2nd Cycle di Jenewa pada 23 Mei 2012. Namun seperti yang sudah diduga, Sesi UPR II ini masih dipenuhi jawaban-jawaban yang sama dari Pemerintah Indonesia pada Sidang UPR I tahun 2008. Itu artinya tidak ada perubahan situasi penegakan HAM di Indonesia. Mengingat kasus-kasus intoleransi, impunitas dan kekerasan terhadap pembela HAM (termasuk di Papua) masih menjadi problem-problem dominan yang belum diselesaikan.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Harus Periksa Intoleransi Agama di Indonesia

Bendera NKRI

New York City - Human Rights First mendesak PBB negara anggota, termasuk Amerika Serikat, untuk fokus pada kekerasan agama di Indonesia karena mereka memeriksa catatan manusia negara itu hak minggu ini. Organisasi ini mencatat bahwa penghujatan hukum di Indonesia telah digunakan untuk membenarkan diskriminasi dan kadang-kadang kekerasan terhadap kelompok agama minoritas. Selain itu, pelanggaran terhadap kebebasan berkumpul dan berekspresi terjadi dengan peningkatan frekuensi melawan latar belakang intoleransi.

Selama siklus pertama Tinjauan Periodik Universal pada bulan April 2008, Indonesia menggambarkan dirinya sebagai "demokrasi multi-etnis" dan diakui bahwa untuk memelihara masyarakat, perusahaan itu perlu untuk melindungi dan memelihara nilai-nilai Pemerintah "harmoni persatuan, dan toleransi." juga mengakui komitmen dan kewajibannya di bawah Kovenan Internasional tentang Hak Sipil dan Politik (ICCPR) atas kebebasan berpikir, berkeyakinan dan beragama serta jaminan konstitusional negara untuk promosi dan perlindungan ini "benar penting." Meskipun komitmen ini, namun , serius pelanggaran HAM terus berlanjut.

"Hanya dalam dua minggu terakhir, masalah serius yang berkaitan dengan undang-undang penghujatan Indonesia telah muncul kembali. Kita telah melihat meningkatnya kekerasan agama serta tindakan keras terhadap kebebasan berekspresi, "kata Hak Asasi Manusia Pertama Joelle Fiss. "Kelompok Islam terganggu pembahasan buku Irshad Manji di Jakarta Selatan. Penulis juga menderita luka ringan setelah serangan massa saat peluncuran bukunya di Institut Studi Islam dan Sosial (LKiS) Foundation di Yogyakarta. Hari kemudian, konser Lady Gaga dibatalkan setelah protes yang dipimpin oleh kelompok-kelompok serupa. Ancaman dan serangan menjadi tren di Indonesia, dan ekstremis menggunakan taktik intimidasi terhadap mereka yang ingin berbicara dan melaksanakan kebebasan berkeyakinan. Terlebih lagi, polisi tidak cukup melindungi mereka yang sedang diintimidasi. "

Fiss berada di Indonesia pekan lalu untuk bertemu dengan kelompok masyarakat sipil yang bekerja untuk memerangi kekerasan dan impunitas di Indonesia, serta untuk menegakkan kebebasan beragama dan berekspresi. Perjalanannya didahului Tinjauan minggu ini terhadap catatan hak asasi manusia Indonesia.

Human Rights First mendesak Indonesia untuk menggunakan proses Tinjauan Universal Periodic sebagai kesempatan untuk mencabut hukum penghujatan atau, minimal, mengubah hukum yang ada untuk membatasi pelanggaran dengan memperkuat persyaratan untuk bukti niat dan bukti. Selain itu, Human Rights First mendesak pemerintah Indonesia untuk melindungi dan menjamin semua orang yang hidupnya telah diancam atau hampir punah karena penghujatan dan hukum yang terkait, termasuk para pembela mereka yang dituduh menghujat, pejabat pemerintah, pengacara dan hakim yang berbicara menentang hukum penghujatan . 

"Pejabat pemerintah harus berbicara menentang pelanggaran hak asasi manusia setiap kali tindakan seperti itu terjadi dan, khususnya dalam hal kekerasan, memastikan bahwa ada respon yang cepat dan tepat baik dari penegak hukum dan aparat peradilan pidana," kata Fiss. "Aturan hukum harus ditegakkan dengan menyelidiki pelanggaran-pelanggaran kebebasan beragama, termasuk tindakan kekerasan terhadap anggota agama minoritas."Klik di Report Sini untuk penyerahan penuh Human Rights First dengan peninjauan UPR untuk Indonesia serta Hak Asasi Manusia Hukum Laporan Pertama Penghujatan Exposed

Pemerintah Indonesia Lambat untuk Melaksanakan Rekomendasi Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

Speakers (foto FI)

Selama Tinjauan Periodik Universal Indonesia tahun 2008, Pemerintah diterima untuk memenuhi rekomendasi yang dibuat oleh Dewan Hak Asasi Manusia untuk memperbaiki situasi hak asasi manusianya. Empat tahun kemudian namun, beberapa rekomendasi telah dilaksanakan secara konsisten dan masih ada kekhawatiran besar hak asasi manusia yang mempengaruhi masyarakat di Papua dan Papua Barat.

Sumber: http://www.franciscansinternational.org/News

Fransiskan Internasional co-host acara sisi pada Sidang ke-19 Dewan HAM PBB untuk mengatasi pelaksanaan rekomendasi UPR oleh Pemerintah Indonesia sejauh ini.