Date : 2019.07.08

IMADR delivered the joint oral statement on “Extractivism and indigenous people in West Papua, Indonesia” at the 41st session of the Human Rights Council. Whole text can be read below or download here. 

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Joint Oral Statement: 41st session of the Human Rights Council

Item 9: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on racism

8 July 2019

Speaker: Taisuke KOMATSU

Thank you Mr. President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of IMADR and Franciscans International. We thank the Special Rapporteur on her report on global extractivism and racial equality. We support her recommendations to States to ensure human rights protections in extractive activities of transnational corporations.

In this context, we are deeply alarmed by negative impacts on indigenous people’s rights by transnational corporation’s mining and other extractive activities in West Papua, Indonesia. For example, the operation of British Petroleum (BP) in Bintuni Bay, has affected the demographic composition of the indigenous Papuans. In its official document, BP reported that prior to their arrival the population was composed of more than 70% indigenous Melanesian people. However, in 2019, it has changed drastically to the ratio of 42% indigenous and 58 % migrant population. It is projected to be reduced to less than 20% indigenous Melanesian people by 2027. BP recognised this significant negative consequence on the human rights of the indigenous people of the area, who are at increased risk of social and economic impoverishment and marginalisation. It is also reported that violence against the indigenous population has increased to 40% in the area where the company operates.

We express our appreciation to the Special Rapporteur’s report on combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and related ideologies, and endorse her recommendations for tackling recruitment and radicalisation efforts by neo-Nazi and hate groups. Resurgence of racist ideologies is not limited to Europe and North America, but it is increasingly seen in all regions of the world. We urge States to strengthen their efforts against racism and racial hatred by implementing the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations.

Thank you Mr. President.