Jayapura, 13/3 (Jubi) – Human rights issues raised by Papuan diplomats overseas only revolve around their campaign for independence, Jayapura Bishop Leo Labaladjar said.
He was commenting on Vanuatu Prime Minister Moana Kalosil’s speech at the session of the UN Human Rights Council on March 4.
“He made a five minute speech or more in Geneva and raised the issue of human rights in Papua. I am not sure which human rights abuses or cases he was talking about. Are they from the present or the past? I did not follow the speech and could not find the text,” the Bishop told reporters after the inauguration of Dr Neles Tebay, Pr as chairman of the School of Philosophy and Theology (STFT) of Fajar Timur in Padangbulan, Jayapura on Thursday (13/3).
He said Kalosil’s speech was a Vanuatu domestic affair and the “stuff” he had raised the issues in the past.
“If it is purely addressed in the name of human rights, that’s not a problem as long as it is true. People overseas talk generally and their messages could vary.All I knew there was a rally when Vanuatu’s prime minister delivered his speech,” the Bishop said.
When asked regarding human rights issues in Papua that have drawn increasing international attention, Labaladjar said it was due to the campaign of Papuans overseas.
“I think behind this political issue is they want independence. We ourselves do not keep silent. We have protested human rights abuses and if these issues are known internationally, it’s their business,” he added.
Yusak Pakage, a former Papuan political prisoner said the bishop’s statement was false.
“Human rights abuses occurred in Papua because Papua want independence,” Pakage told tabloidjubi.com in Padangbulan, Jayapura on Thursday (13/3). (Jubi / Aprila/ Tina)
