January 22, 2006
Late last week 43 Papuans (36 adults and seven children), who reportedly include prominent pro-independence activists and their families, arrived on the coast of Australia's Cape York Peninsula on Wednesday aboard a large outrigger canoe in an apparent bid for asylum.The political nature of their flight from Indonesia was highlighted by a banner strung on their canoe that accused Indonesia of genocide in West Papua, a former Dutch colony that Indonesia took over in the 1960s.
They appear to be political refugees. They claim they were fleeing oppression in Indonesia. What will Australia do with them? The group has been detained on Christmas Island in immigration detention. Will the asylum seekers be granted asylum in Australia? Each case will be assessed on its merits says the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Aboriginal Affairs (DIMA).
Paul Zanetti
Australia and Indonesia are currently negotiating a new security treaty that is expected to include a pledge by Canberra not to interfere in provinces like West Papua----a clause requires respect for Indonesia's "territorial integrity". This Report gives some background to the oppressive regime Indonesia has installed in West Papua or Iran Jaya.
Over the years, Papuans have sought refugee status over the border in Papua New Guinea, but have that avenue has recently been closed off by the PNG Government. Seeking sanctuary in Australia seems to be a last resort measure by these refugees. Will Australia send them back to Indonesia?
More than Indonesia's 'territorial integrity ''is involved here.
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