By Aida Ulim in Jayapura
Papuan women attending a free speech forum organised by the Dogiyai Student Association in Jayapura have condemned what they describe as ongoing violence against women and children in Papua.
The gathering took place in the Lingkaran Abepura area, Abepura District, Jayapura, on Monday.
Activist Vero Hubi said Papuan women continued to bear the impact of prolonged conflict, including violence, displacement, and the loss of family members.
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“I speak on behalf of Papuan women who have become victims of violence, forced displacement, and the loss of loved ones due to the prolonged conflict in Papua,” she said.
“Many Papuan women today live in fear and under constant pressure,” Hubi said.
She stressed that Papuan women would no longer remain silent in the face of continued suffering.
Hubi also drew attention to the condition of internally displaced communities in several conflict-affected regions, saying many women and children had been forced to flee after homes were allegedly occupied by security forces.
Wounded in bomb blasts
She further alleged that some women were wounded in bomb explosions while attempting to protect their children.
According to Hubi, women across Papua will continue speaking out against all forms of violence targeting women and children.
She also urged institutions responsible for women’s and children’s protection to investigate alleged human rights abuses in Papua and publicly release the findings.
“We demand transparency in the investigation process and justice for the victims,” she said.
Another participant, Yustina Butu, spoke about the psychological burden experienced by Papuans, particularly students from Dogiyai living in Jayapura.
Butu called on Dogiyai police to thoroughly investigate and take responsibility for a number of incidents, especially those involving teenage victims in Dogiyai Regency.
She also said alleged acts of violence committed by security personnel against civilians in Yahukimo and Mimika regencies, including against women and children, must be held accountable.
Duty to protect civilians
According to Butu, the duty of the military and police is to protect civilians, yet many civilians have instead become victims of violence.
“We are calling on Dogiyai police to conduct a comprehensive evaluation regarding the shootings of civilians,” she said.
She further urged the Dogiyai Regency administration in Central Papua to work together with police authorities in addressing the cases.
Butu emphasised the role of women as mothers who nurture and raise children, saying both the government and security forces must properly fulfill their responsibilities to safeguard the public.
“We want our children to grow up safely and peacefully — not in fear or exposed to violence and inhumane treatment. We hope the state and the government will hear and consider our demands,” she said.
Republished from Jubi News with permission.
