Asian NGOs call for justice and respect for human rights in Indonesia and East Timor
Fifty Asian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in a statement published in the Jakarta press today called on the
Indonesian authorities to end the long chain of impunity for those responsible for human rights violations in East Timor
and Indonesia.
The NGOs said that the East Timor crisis highlighted fundamental issues about the rule of law and accountability of the
military of relevance to Indonesia and all Asian societies.
"We want Indonesia to stand proud in the international community, but fundamental change is needed along with a
reckoning for the past."
Representing people throughout Asia, the 50 NGOs* -- including Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Philippine
Solidarity for East Timor and Indonesia, South Asian Forum for Human Rights, Asian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty
International sections in 13 Asian countries -- have joined together to help in the struggle for justice and human
rights within Indonesia and East Timor.
Reflecting on their own experiences with unjust laws, the organizations expressed their solidarity with NGOs and
individuals in Indonesia who are campaigning against the adoption of security legislation which violates international
human rights standards.
The NGOs stressed the need for the Indonesian government to allow humanitarian agencies and independent monitors
unrestricted and unhindered access to the displaced East Timorese in West Timor and other parts of Indonesia.
They also urged the Indonesian government to cooperate fully with the UN international commission of inquiry into
suspected crimes against humanity in East Timor.
"This is an opportunity for the new Indonesia to show its true commitment to justice and the rule of law," the
organizations concluded.
*Note to editors The 50 Asian NGOs come from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia,
Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand.
ENDS.../
* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty