18 March, 2001.

Minister Of Immigration Urged To Reconsider Situation Of Chinese Indonesians

The Indonesia Human Rights Committee notes with dismay the arrest of 4 Chinese Indonesian who fled Indonesia at the time of the 1998 anti-Chinese riots. The committee has urged Lianne Dalziel to take a humanitarian approach to the unique situation of this group, and give sympathetic consideration to their applications to stay in New Zealand.

"We want Ms Dalziel to take into account that these people have real fears about returning to Indonesia. The situation in Indonesia has changed since 1998, but there is a long-standing pattern in Indonesia that the Chinese population is subject to scapegoating and persecution at times of crisis."

"The political situation in Indonesia right now is very volatile and uncertain."

"When these people came to this country they had every reason to fear persecution back home. It is very understandable that they would have a genuine fear of returning to a place associated with so much terror and pain."

for further information: Maire Leadbeater Phone 09-376-9098 or cell phone 025-436-957

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