Condemn the barbarous acts of discrimination
and abuse against Chinese women

17 July 1998

To President of Republic of Indonesia:

We write to protest the violent incidents which occurred all over Indonesia in the spring of 1998, and to urge the Indonesian government to investigate and prosecute those responsible. During this period, hundreds or even thousands of women, mainly ethnic Chinese, were attacked and raped. Many were tortured to death.

We strongly condemn these barbarous acts of discrimination and abuse against Chinese and Chinese women.

Indonesian human rights organizations report that sexual crimes were carefully plotted and systematically carried out. We are concerned that these crimes may have been officially sanctioned.

We urge the Indonesian government:

• To conduct prompt and thorough investigations into these incidents, put the persons involved on trial and report periodically to the public about the progress of these investigations and prosecutions.

• To provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families to help them re-establish their livelihood and receive appropriate compensation.

• To show greater commitment to social justice and social equality in Indonesia, including taking legal measures to eliminate race and sex discrimination.

As the leader of the Indonesian government, we call upon you to move quickly toward free and fair elections in Indonesia and to improve Indonesia respect for human rights. We also respectfully urge you to take all necessary steps to prevent future ethnic violence and promote national harmony among crimes of different ethnic groups and between men and women.

We respectfully request that our opinions be taken under serious consideration. Thank you.

The Women Group of the Democratic Party, Hong Kong.