National Commission on Human Rights Urges Accelerated Handling of Refugees in Papua

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is pushing for the accelerated handling of internally displaced persons in Papua through strengthened coordination between ministries, agencies, and local governments.

Atnike Nova Sigiro, Chair of the Komnas HAM Papua Team, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the issue of internal refugees was a key topic during a meeting between Komnas HAM and the Papua Special Committee (Pansus) of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) in Jakarta on Thursday.

“The handling of these internal refugees needs to be carried out swiftly, partly to prevent the loss of the future of the younger generation and the Indigenous Papuans (OAP),” said Atnike.

The meeting discussed the development of the human rights situation in Papua, including conflict and violence, internal displacement, the effectiveness of institutions managing Papua, and National Strategic Projects (PSN).

Komnas HAM and the DPD RI Papua Special Committee specifically discussed the impact of armed conflict and violence, which has triggered waves of internal displacement in several regions experiencing high conflict intensity.

Komnas HAM assesses that the management of internal refugees must be expedited to prevent long-term consequences for the youth and Indigenous Papuans. The displacement situation also threatens to obstruct access to basic services for affected communities, such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Consequently, Komnas HAM is urging the DPD RI Papua Special Committee to strengthen coordination between relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments in Papua to address the internal refugee crisis.

Through its Papua Team, Komnas HAM is focusing on strengthening state responsibility in fulfilling and protecting human rights as part of its effort to respond to these various issues.

As a follow-up, Komnas HAM and the DPD RI Papua Special Committee have committed to continuing synergy and coordination in responding to various human rights issues in Papua and promoting strategic steps toward achieving peace.

“Komnas HAM and the DPD RI Papua Special Committee are committed to continuing synergy and coordination in responding to various human rights issues in Papua,” said Atnike.

The meeting was attended by Atnike Nova Sigiro, Coordinator of the Komnas HAM Papua Team, and Komnas HAM members Amiruddin Al Rahab and Abdul Haris Semendawai. They were received by the Chair of the DPD RI Papua Special Committee and Vice Chair of the DPD RI, Yorrys Raweyai, along with several members of the committee.