(NFR Statement on the Manado Incident)
We, the 12 member organizations of the NGOs for Fisheries Reform (NFR), strongly condemn the suppression of freedom of speech and expression of the artisanal fisherfolks. We criticize the deportation of the 16 representatives in the Philippine fisheries sector from Manado, Indonesia for alleged violations of Indonesian laws last May 12, 2009. They were supposed to hold a parallel meeting of civil society to raise the concerns of artisanal fisherfolks in the global meeting to address climate change during the Inaugural World Ocean Conference and Coral Triangle Initiative Summit. Despite insufficient evidence to prove that they held assembly without permits, the Indonesian immigration officials in Manado detained our 16 colleagues.
We also condemn the relentless harassment by Indonesian authorities of leaders from the Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) who were charged of violating Article 216 of the Indonesian Criminal Code on Public Order. They were alleged to be involved in ‘public disturbance’ in Malalayang Beach together with the 16 Filipinos who were deported. The truth is that they gathered to hear the ‘Manado Declaration’ bearing legitimate calls of the artisanal fisherfolks. We strongly condemn this use of force against peaceful assembly as this runs counter to NFR’s fundamental belief on freedom of speech and expression. The use of force to suppress voices of artisanal fisherfolks inhibits the formation of conducive policy environment, where fisheries reform can be instituted.
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