Dunne Calls On Government To Stand Up For Indonesian Christians

United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, is calling on the Government to condemn the continuing persecution of Christians in Indonesia, including making strong protests to the Indonesian Government about the deteriorating situation.

"This is a major human rights crisis in our part of the world, and we cannot stand silently by and let the violence continue."

"Already, over 5000 Christians have been murdered in the conflict on the Moluccas Islands, and as many as 500,000 have been made homeless and deprived of food, medicine, clothing and shelter."

"There have been other atrocities perpetrated as well, and many Muslims have also been killed in the escalating conflict," he says.

Mr Dunne is calling on the Government to pressure the Indonesian Government to put an end to the wanton killing, and to support the intervention of United Nations peacekeeping forces if this proves necessary.

"New Zealand properly took a strong stand in support of the people of East Timor in the carnage that erupted following their historic vote for independence."

"Now it is time to apply the same consistency to our approach to the Christians in the Moluccas and give them the support they desperately need at this critical time," Mr Dunne says.

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