Papuan Human Rights Defender Mrs. Lamberti Faan Faces Escalating Intimidation After UN Testimony

Source: & Image credit @ humanrightsmonitor

Mrs. Lamberti Faan, a Papuan human rights defender, has faced severe intimidation following her testimony at the 56th UN Human Rights Council Session about the plight of internally displaced persons in Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Daya. Since her statement, she and her relatives have been subjected to harassment, including surveillance, threats, and attempts to gather personal information.

The intimidation began on June 25, 2024, when the Maybrat Police Chief contacted Mrs. Faan’s brother regarding her whereabouts. This was followed by similar inquiries from the military chief and suspected intelligence officers seeking detailed personal information about her. On July 1, 2024, Mrs. Faan noticed she was being closely monitored by a familiar police officer on her flight.

The threats escalated after Maybrat officials noticed her UN statement. On July 3, 2024, a friend advised Mrs. Faan to move for her safety. Her relatives in Sorong and Maybrat experienced visits from unknown individuals and ministry officials under pretenses of offering housing and scholarships. Harassment peaked in mid-July, with intelligence officers repeatedly contacting her family, suspicious activities around her house, and drones flying near her home.

Due to the ongoing threats, Mrs. Faan and her children relocated to another town. Despite the intimidation, she remains committed to her advocacy, urging international and local authorities to investigate these acts and ensure the safety of human rights defenders in West Papua. Papuan Human Rights Defender Mrs. Lamberti Faan Faces Escalating Intimidation After UN Testimony. Following her testimony on the plight of displaced persons in Papua Barat Daya, Mrs. Faan endures severe harassment, including surveillance and threats, prompting a relocation for safety