Cross-Sector Coordination Urged to Address Human Rights in Papua
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is urging the strengthening of coordination across ministries and institutions as an effort to expedite the handling of the human rights (HAM) situation in Papua, including through peaceful dialogue approaches and policies based on community needs.
Atnike Nova Sigiro, a member of Komnas HAM and Coordinator of the Human Rights Situation Observation Team in Papua, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the commission’s primary focus is on the fulfilment, respect, and protection of human rights in the region.
“Komnas HAM’s main attention is on the fulfilment, respect, and protection of human rights in Papua. Violence and armed conflicts cause impacts such as casualties and injuries, limited fulfilment of access to basic rights like employment, education, health, or waves of internal refugees,” said Atnike.
These efforts were conveyed at a coordination forum held in Jakarta on Thursday (16/4), serving as a strategic space to present field findings while formulating concrete steps in responding to the complex human rights dynamics in Papua.
She explained that this forum is part of the follow-up to the work of the Human Rights Situation Observation Team in Papua, which is tasked with collecting data, conducting monitoring, and formulating policy recommendations based on Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
Komnas HAM member Amiruddin Al-Rahab emphasised the importance of cross-sector forums as a space to build shared perspectives oriented towards human rights while encouraging transparent law enforcement.
“Law enforcement and openness in handling are also important in addressing events in Papua. This can become a moment in building the trust of the Papuan people,” said Amiruddin.
Meanwhile, Putu Elvina, Deputy Chair for External Affairs of Komnas HAM, assessed that cross-sector coordination needs to be followed by open communication so that policy interventions can run in harmony and effectively.
“In addition to reporting formally in forums like this, Komnas HAM is open to discussing interventions from various ministries and institutions so that the efforts of colleagues can be known by us to communicate various needs in handling events in Papua. Komnas HAM, with the Human Rights Situation Observation Team in Papua, conducts a lot of consultations and consolidations with Papuan residents,” she said.
In addition, issues of basic services such as health and education are a concern, particularly regarding security guarantees for health workers and educators in conflict-affected areas.
Komnas HAM emphasised that a participatory, evidence-based, and collaborative work approach is key to producing policies that are not only responsive but also able to address the real needs of Papuan society in a sustainable manner.