Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – Indonesia recently insisted that third countries could not force a UN verification visit to Papua as the country continues to deny allegations of abuse in its easternmost region.

The UN may travel to countries to verify any human rights abuses on the ground. Pressure is now mounting for Indonesia to open its doors.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale had gone on the UN stage to sound the alarm about "human rights violations in West Papua" as he demanded independent verification by the UN. Vanuatu's UN envoy Odo Tevi made a similar plea.

In response, an Indonesian representative stated that immediate access would be impossible without Jakarta's consent.

"Arrangements for any visit by the [UN] High Commissioner should be agreed between the host state and the office of the High Commissioner," Nona Gae Luna, a minister counsellor for Indonesia's representative to the UN, said on Monday local time.

Such a mechanism applies to every member state.

"They are not set by a third state or any regional body."

Jakarta urged that any Papua discussion should "reflect the full picture" in a jab at "some countries [that] choose to omit facts" about civilian casualties in their allegations.

"Such selectivity undermines the credibility of its stated concern for human rights. Human rights concerns deserve serious discussion, but it should never be used as a tool to justify violence or advocate separatism," Nona said.

Nona also listed the civilian victims, including the three civil servants who were shot to death by Papuan armed separatists after delivering livestock assistance to the poverty-stricken region.

"Indonesia has a responsibility to protect all of its citizens. Law enforcement must and will remain subject to Indonesia's laws and our international human rights obligations."

Indonesia also touted its leadership at the UN Human Rights Council as a reflection of "the highest level of trust from the international community".

Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Sugiono told the UN hall that Indonesia is one nation "from Aceh to Papua, from Miangas to Rote".

In 2018, Indonesia had slammed the UN High Commissioner for arranging an unconsented planned Papua visit.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/third-countries-cant-force-un-papua-visit-indonesi