This evening, Robert led a Westminster Hall debate on 'Human Rights in West Papua'. This is the first time MPs have ever debated West Papua, something which Robert described as being demonstrative of the lack of attention the region has received in the international community.
During the debate, Robert argued that the UK should work to ensure the Indonesian Government honours its promises and permits free access for international journalists and independent human rights observers to visit West Papua. He concluded the debate by noting that: "We have made great strides today. We have cast a searching gaze on the human rights situation in West Papua. We must ensure that we do not look away."
Speaking after the debate, Robert said: "I am proud to have led the first ever House of Commons debate on human rights in West Papua.
"I was encouraged by the Minister's commitment to press the Indonesian Government to honour its long-standing invitation to the UN Human Rights Commisioner to visit West Papua - a visit that simply must happen - and also to raise the matter of press freedom with his counterparts in Jakarta."
Robert's speech, together with the full transcript of the debate, can be read here.
