AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday November 23, 2001 7:49 PM
Climate of impunity for torture in Indonesia: UN rights panel
GENEVA, Nov 23 (AFP) - The United Nations Committee against Torture said on
Friday that it was concerned about a "climate of impunity" for torture committed by
security forces in Indonesia.
In a summary of the Committee's findings following a review of Indonesia, the UN said
it was also concerned about allegations of torture by paramilitary groups which were
"supported by the military and sometimes reportedly were joined by military
personnel".
The Committee also pin-pointed reports that abuses were sometimes committed by
military personnel employed by foreign companies either for security or "to avoid
labour disputes", but gave no details.
Its concerns focused on areas of conflict, such as Aceh, Irian Jaya, and the
Moluccas.
The Committee's 10 independent experts called on Indonesia to carry out prompt
investigations into allegations of ill-treatment by police and other officials and to
establish an "effective, reliable, independent" complaints system.
It also urged the government to strengthen the independence of the National
Commission on Human Rights and to ensure its effectiveness.
During its examination over the past week, the Indonesian government had said it was
trying to train security forces to observe human rights.
The Committee welcomed government attempts to reform the legal system and to set
up Human Rights Courts, as well as recognition that torture was linked to overcoming
a culture of violence in Indonesian society.
The conclusions follow a review of Indonesia's record in applying the UN Convention
Against Torture.
Copyright © 2001 AFP. All rights reserved.
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