Theo Hesegem
Theo Hesegem is the head of the Wamena-based Advocacy Network for Upholding Law and Human Rights of Papua Central Highlands and the chair of the Coalition Team for Justice, Law and Human Rights of the Central Highlands of Papua. He carries out advocacy work in which he has given paralegal assistance to victims of human rights violations in Jayawijaya Regency in Papua.
In various provinces of Indonesia, political movements exist which call for independence and/or self-determination. It is in these areas that individuals carrying out peaceful activities in defense of human rights, are particularly at risk as they are targeted by both the authorities and insurgent groups. Crimes against defenders in Jakarta, Aceh and West Papua escalated over the past decade, while the tsunami also affected human rights defenders' ability to work effectively.
