8 Sep 2003

Indonesian Human Rights Commission starts investigating alleged human rights abuses

7:13 am on 8 September 2003

An Indonesian Commission on Human Rights is due in the province of Papua today to investigate reports of human rights abuses.

The team will gather information in Wamena, Waisor and Timika, where non governmental organisations have accused security personnel of human rights violations.

The Jakarta Post says the team will be in Timika to investigate alleged abuse during recent tribal clashes between opponents and supporters of moves to divide the province into three.

At least five people were killed in the fighting.

In Wamena, the team will check reports that 16 villagers were killed as troops searched for stolen guns.