EU Statement on Indonesia at UNCHR, STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR TASSOS KRIEKOUKIS HEAD OF THE DELEGATION OF GREECE ON BEHALF OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

59TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS - (GENEVA, 17 MARCH - 25 APRIL 2003)
____________

ITEM 9 :
QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD

31 MARCH 2003

Extract relating to Indonesia:

The European Union has noted certain positive developments in Indonesia, including as regards the freedom of the press. The EU welcomes the signing of a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement for Aceh on 9 December 2002, which it views as an important precondition for the improvement of the human rights situation in the province. The democratic reform process in Indonesia is continuing, but at a slow pace. The EU encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect human rights and put an end to impunity for human rights violations, including perpetrators from the security forces operating in conflict regions. In this respect, it expresses disappointment at the way in which the ad hoc tribunal on East Timor has functioned so far and urges the Government to address the deficiencies of the tribunal so as to ensure that justice is done. We also urge the Indonesian Government to fully cooperate with the UN Special Crime Unit's investigations, and the investigation into the murder of five journalists at Balibo in 1975. The EU welcomes the report by the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and urges the Indonesian Government to implement its recommendations on reforming the judicial system. The EU reiterates its concern about violations occurring in particular in Aceh and Papua, such as extrajudicial executions, disappearances and torture. Violations of the right to fair trial remain widespread. We also express great concern over the possible ending of the de facto moratorium on the execution of the death penalty. The EU urges Indonesia to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

© 2002 The Diary of Online Papua Mouthpiece