Vanuatu has renewed a call by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders for Indonesia to allow the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua to assess claims of widespread rights abuses.
In his address to the UN General Assembly, Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Odo Tevi, urged action on the call made by PIF countries in 2019, which remains unheeded.
No visit has taken place, causing frustration for various Pacific governments. Solomon Islands Prime Minister also made an emotional plea to Indonesia to allow the UN Rights Commissioner access to West Papua.
“Mr. President, peace and security cannot be separated from human rights. Vanuatu remains deeply concerned about reports of serious human rights violations affecting indigenous Papuans in West Papua,” said Tevi.
“UN special procedures have also raised concerns regarding indigenous rights, displacement, cultural rights, environmental impacts and the treatment of human rights defenders in Papua.
“The call from the Pacific Forum leaders for the UN Human Rights Commissioner visit to West Papua remains unheeded and needs to be acted on.”
Mr. Tevi also reaffirmed Vanuatu’s unwavering support for the decolonisation of Kanaky people in New Caledonia, which remains a non-self-governing territory under the purview of the UN.
He stated that Vanuatu supports the Kanak people’s right to decide their own political future and calls for a peaceful, fair and transparent process that follows UN rules.
Vanuatu is concerned that Kanak people continue to face inequalities in jobs, education, income and economic opportunities, despite New Caledonia’s considerable natural resources and economic potential, he stressed.
He called for the full implementation of relevant UN resolutions on the question of New Caledonia and encouraged continued engagement and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, including the administering power and the representatives of the people,” he said.
“We further reaffirm the important role of the Special Committee on Decolonization and the Fourth Committee in advancing the realization of self-determination and ensuring that the rights, aspirations and interests of the Kanak people remain at the centre of the decolonisation process.”
Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative also raised the country’s maritime dispute over Matthew and Hunter at the UNGA.
The Government has initiated proceedings against France before the International Court of Justice concerning sovereignty over the two islands and the maritime boundaries between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Mr. Tevi told the UNGA: “These islands are an integral part of Vanuatu’s territory. Grounded in customary governance, long standing historical connections, indigenous ownership and is seen as part of our duty as ancestral custodians to protect and preserve.
“We recognise France as a steadfast champion of the international rules based order and under the leadership of President Macron, a strong supporter of international judicial institutions, France has stood alongside Vanuatu in advancing global climate action, including through its support for initiatives before the International Court of Justice.
“We greatly value this partnership and France’s leadership on issues of international importance. It is in the same spirit of mutual respect and commitment to international law that we respectfully invite France to consent to the jurisdiction of the court.”
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