West Papua torture motion put forward in European Parliament
The following motion has been put forward for debate in the European
Parliament relating to the torture of West Papuan civilians
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on torture of members of
indigenous communities in West Papua
B7‑0601/2010
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the UN Convention of 1984 against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,
– having regard to Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and article 7b of the International Pact on Civil and Political
Rights and their prohibitions of torture,
– having regard to the International Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Racial Discrimination,
– having regard to Rule 120 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas in West Papua for forty years now members of the indigenous
communities have suffered from abuse and violence at the hands of the
Indonesian army,
B. whereas since the Indonesian occupation began thousands of people have
been killed, in a process of oppression which, in its ferocity and
vastness, is considered to be the worst abuse perpetrated today against
tribal peoples in the entire world,
C. whereas the persecution of the Papuan indigenous peoples is linked to
the exploitation of a territory rich in gold and copper mining resources,
while the actions of the Indonesian army are characterised by ferocious
racism and religious hatred,
1. Urges the Council to call on the government of Indonesia to put an end
to these human rights violations and comply with the universally
recognised standards of international law.
