Comment By UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani On Indonesia Protests

We are following closely the spate of violence in Indonesia in the context of nationwide protests over parliamentary allowances, austerity measures, and alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces. We stress the importance of dialogue to address the public’s concerns.

The authorities must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while maintaining order, in line with international norms and standards, in relation to the policing of public assemblies. All security forces, including the military when deployed in a law enforcement capacity, must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.

We call for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force.

It is also important that the media is permitted to report on events freely and independently.

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