Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Neel Grover
The UK views the Indonesian-West Papua situation as a very complex geopolitical matter with vital humanitarian and security significance. 30 years after the 1969 Act of Free Choice, tension between the Indonesian regime and the Papuan people are still being fueled by allegations of human rights abuses, restriction of political liberties, and armed rebellion. The escalation of brutality, particularly towards indigenous peoples, has been raising concerns about transparency and the protection of fundamental human rights. The UK acknowledges Indonesia’s sovereignty but urges compliance with international human rights standards and the need for a dialogue-based approach to resolving long-term problems.
The United Kingdom has been an outspoken proponent of human rights, resolution of conflict, and stability on the regional scale. The UK has collaborated intensively with international partners like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to monitor West Papua’s Progress. The UK has long pressed for the upholding of democratic values and accountability and has pressed the Indonesian government to allow free inquiry into alleged human rights violations. In addition, the Uk has supported international efforts to enhance human rights protection throughout Indonesia through diplomacy and development that improves governance, economic progress, and civil rights.
The United Kingdom believes that there needs to be an extensive international response to address the humanitarian concerns in West Papua. The UK urges Indonesia to allow independent UN observers and human rights organizations unrestricted access to the Papua region to bring transparency and accountability. This would allow for a reliable assessment of allegations of killings, forced displacement of indigenous peoples, and other abuses or rights violations. The UK also calls on the UN Human Rights Council to take a more active role in investigating these claims and making recommendations to the Indonesian government regarding the protection of human rights. Continued international observation is critical in the decrease of regional tensions.
