Thank
you to constituents for writing to me about concerns regarding the current
situation in West Papua.
I
am aware of the violence that we have seen in the far-eastern province of
Indonesia over the past 50 years and I am concerned to learn of recent developments
there and in particular, the disregard for the fundamental freedoms of religion
and worship.
Indonesia
has been considered an ally of the West since the end of WWII. However, very
little attention has been paid to the Christian Papuan majority who are
politically and socially marginalised. In West Papua, nearly 60% of the
population consider themselves Christian.
Racial
tension and religious intolerance have flourished in West Papua, with Islamic
Indonesian culture dominating the region and further Islamisation becoming the
norm. A 2016 report by the Archdiocese of Brisbane in Australia described
arrests, poisoning, fire bombs, kidnapping, torture and other attacks on the
Christian population, with multiple reports of ‘ethnic cleansing’ by Islamic
militants in the province under the watch of the Indonesia government.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has also produced a briefing suggesting
that "the militarisation of West Papua has led to widespread and serious
violations of human rights, and there are fears of religious tensions
developing.”
Therefore
I am very pleased to learn from constituents that a new All Party Parliamentary
Group (APPG) on West Papua is being set up – APPGs are excellent forums for
bringing MPs and experts in the field together to discuss important issues like
this and I have the privilege of chairing and vice chairing a large number of
APPGs focusing on issues of particular relevance and interest to Mid-Cornwall.
If I am find the time and capacity to look into issues facing West Papua, I
will be sure to bear this APPG in mind and support their work in making
representations to the FCO. Where there are other opportunities for me to speak
up for human rights and the freedom of religion around the world, I will of
course be mindful of the specific concerns on West Papua and seek to voice them
where I can.
