Human rights organization calls for safeguarding of Christians in West Papua

The human rights group Christian Solidarity International has made a plea to the U.N. Human Rights Council to address the ongoing issues faced by Christians in West Papua, Indonesia. The region, located in the easternmost part of the archipelago, is predominantly Christian, but indigenous people face racial discrimination and various challenges.

According to CSI’s Joel Veldkamp, West Papuans struggle with limited access to healthcare and education, land appropriation for resource extraction projects, military operations, police violence, and lack of political representation. The history of West Papua’s governance, initially a Dutch colony separate from Indonesia, has played a significant role in these issues.

The Indonesian government’s control over the region’s rich natural resources, including gold, copper, and tropical forests, has led to military operations and displacement of indigenous people. The recent presidential election, which saw Prabowo Subianto come to power, has heightened fears among West Papuans due to his past involvement in atrocities.

CSI’s appeal to the UNHRC includes calls for immediate reforms to protect West Papuans’ rights and increased monitoring in the region. Recent violent incidents, including the killing of teenagers by the military and kidnappings by armed resistance groups, have drawn international attention to the humanitarian crisis in West Papua.

Despite calls for international intervention, the situation in West Papua remains dire, with ongoing violence and repression against indigenous people. The global community is urged to address these issues and support the rights of West Papuans in their struggle for freedom and equality.