Latest news with #WestPapuans
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
The Colony Next Door -West Papua
Press Release – AWPA Joe Collins of AWPA said, 'Yes, the international community recognises Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, and West Papua is not on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, but it should be'. 21 May 2025 The Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) is set to meet in Dili, Timor-Leste, from May 21 to 23, 2025 for its Pacific Regional Seminar . The event is part of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which spans from 2021 to 2030. As the Committee meets in Dili, there will be blind spot in their discussions, the forgotten colony next door-West Papua. Joe Collins of AWPA said, 'Yes, the international community recognises Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, and West Papua is not on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, but it should be'. A colony is a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country. West Papua is a classic case. 62 years ago, the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred West Papua to Indonesian administration, who then removed it from the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. And yes, Indonesia did hold a referendum in 1969, the so-called 'Act of Free Choice', which was a sham and is referred to by West Papuans as the act of no free choice. The C24 must know about the ongoing human rights abuses in the territory. The situation in the territory is seriously deteriorating with regular armed clashes between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB ) and the Indonesian security forces. West Papuans continue to be arrested at peaceful demonstrations and Papuans risk being charged with treason for taking part in the rallies. There are over 80,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), many facing starvation because they fear returning to their food gardens because of the Indonesian security forces operations in the highlands. Joe Collins said, 'West Papua is a complete failure by the UN to protect the people of West Papua. Although we cannot expect the C24 Committee to review the situation of West Papua at this stage, it is up to the countries in the region to seriously lobby the UN on the human rights situation in the territory. This is a fear from Jakarta, the internationalisation of the issue of West Papua and why Jakarta is targeting the Pacific leaders with aid, to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle'. Jakarta granted Fiji $6 million in financial aid and offered to cooperate with them on military training. If some of the governments in the region are wavering in their support, the people of the Pacific are not. The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR). has expressed 'deep concern over the Fiji Prime Minister's ongoing engagements with Indonesia'. The Chair of the NGOCHR said 'As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.' 'True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability.' The West Papuan people will continue their struggle for self-determination. Time for the countries in the region including Australia to take the issue seriously .
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
The Colony Next Door -West Papua
Press Release – AWPA Joe Collins of AWPA said, 'Yes, the international community recognises Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, and West Papua is not on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, but it should be'. 21 May 2025 The Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) is set to meet in Dili, Timor-Leste, from May 21 to 23, 2025 for its Pacific Regional Seminar . The event is part of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which spans from 2021 to 2030. As the Committee meets in Dili, there will be blind spot in their discussions, the forgotten colony next door-West Papua. Joe Collins of AWPA said, 'Yes, the international community recognises Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, and West Papua is not on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, but it should be'. A colony is a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country. West Papua is a classic case. 62 years ago, the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred West Papua to Indonesian administration, who then removed it from the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. And yes, Indonesia did hold a referendum in 1969, the so-called 'Act of Free Choice', which was a sham and is referred to by West Papuans as the act of no free choice. The C24 must know about the ongoing human rights abuses in the territory. The situation in the territory is seriously deteriorating with regular armed clashes between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB ) and the Indonesian security forces. West Papuans continue to be arrested at peaceful demonstrations and Papuans risk being charged with treason for taking part in the rallies. There are over 80,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), many facing starvation because they fear returning to their food gardens because of the Indonesian security forces operations in the highlands. Joe Collins said, 'West Papua is a complete failure by the UN to protect the people of West Papua. Although we cannot expect the C24 Committee to review the situation of West Papua at this stage, it is up to the countries in the region to seriously lobby the UN on the human rights situation in the territory. This is a fear from Jakarta, the internationalisation of the issue of West Papua and why Jakarta is targeting the Pacific leaders with aid, to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle'. Jakarta granted Fiji $6 million in financial aid and offered to cooperate with them on military training. If some of the governments in the region are wavering in their support, the people of the Pacific are not. The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR). has expressed 'deep concern over the Fiji Prime Minister's ongoing engagements with Indonesia'. The Chair of the NGOCHR said 'As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.' 'True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability.' The West Papuan people will continue their struggle for self-determination. Time for the countries in the region including Australia to take the issue seriously .
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
The Colony Next Door -West Papua
21 May 2025 The Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) is set to meet in Dili, Timor-Leste, from May 21 to 23, 2025 for its Pacific Regional Seminar . The event is part of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which spans from 2021 to 2030. As the Committee meets in Dili, there will be blind spot in their discussions, the forgotten colony next door-West Papua. Joe Collins of AWPA said, "Yes, the international community recognises Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, and West Papua is not on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, but it should be". A colony is a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country. West Papua is a classic case. 62 years ago, the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred West Papua to Indonesian administration, who then removed it from the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. And yes, Indonesia did hold a referendum in 1969, the so-called "Act of Free Choice', which was a sham and is referred to by West Papuans as the act of no free choice. The C24 must know about the ongoing human rights abuses in the territory. The situation in the territory is seriously deteriorating with regular armed clashes between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB ) and the Indonesian security forces. West Papuans continue to be arrested at peaceful demonstrations and Papuans risk being charged with treason for taking part in the rallies. There are over 80,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), many facing starvation because they fear returning to their food gardens because of the Indonesian security forces operations in the highlands. Joe Collins said, "West Papua is a complete failure by the UN to protect the people of West Papua. Although we cannot expect the C24 Committee to review the situation of West Papua at this stage, it is up to the countries in the region to seriously lobby the UN on the human rights situation in the territory. This is a fear from Jakarta, the internationalisation of the issue of West Papua and why Jakarta is targeting the Pacific leaders with aid, to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle'. Jakarta granted Fiji $6 million in financial aid and offered to cooperate with them on military training. If some of the governments in the region are wavering in their support, the people of the Pacific are not. The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR). has expressed 'deep concern over the Fiji Prime Minister's ongoing engagements with Indonesia'. The Chair of the NGOCHR said 'As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.' 'True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability.' The West Papuan people will continue their struggle for self-determination. Time for the countries in the region including Australia to take the issue seriously .
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
‘Fighting Is More Frequent Now': Human Rights Researcher Warns Of Escalating Conflict In West Papua
Article – RNZ A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injuring another on last Tuesday in Puncak Regency. In a statement, ULMWP interim president Benny Wenda said Deris Kogoya, 18, was killed by a rocket attack from a helicopter while riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village. Jemi Waker, meanwhile, sustained severe violent injuries, including to both his legs. The statement said Waker has refused to go to hospital, fearing he will be killed if he goes. Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono said that over the past month he has received an unusually high number of messages accompanied by gruesome photos showing either Indonesian soldiers or civilians being killed. 'The fighting is much more frequent now,' Harsono said. 'There are more and more Indonesian soldiers sent to West Papua under President Pradowo. 'At the same time, indigenous Papuans are also gaining more and more men, unfortunately also boys, to join the fight in the jungle.' He said the escalation could match similarly intense periods of conflict in 1977, 1984, and 2004. A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday. However, they said all actions conducted by Indonesia's military are in line with international law. They said there were attacks in March and April of this year, instigated by an armed criminal group targeting Indonesian workers and civilians. Harsono said if the attack was indeed on civilians, it would be a clear breach of human rights. However, he said it was difficult to confirm due to the remoteness of the area. He said it is common for civilians to wear army camouflage because of surplus Indonesian uniforms. Wenda said West Papuans are 'a forgotten, voiceless people'. 'Where is the attention of the media and the international community? How many children must be killed before they notice we are dying?' Wenda compared the lack of attention with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict that is getting more media attention. He said Indonesia has banned media 'to prevent journalists from telling the world what is really going on'. The Indonesian Embassy spokesperson said foreign journalists were not allowed in the area for their own safety.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
‘Fighting Is More Frequent Now': Human Rights Researcher Warns Of Escalating Conflict In West Papua
A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injuring another on last Tuesday in Puncak Regency. In a statement, ULMWP interim president Benny Wenda said Deris Kogoya, 18, was killed by a rocket attack from a helicopter while riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village. Jemi Waker, meanwhile, sustained severe violent injuries, including to both his legs. The statement said Waker has refused to go to hospital, fearing he will be killed if he goes. Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono said that over the past month he has received an unusually high number of messages accompanied by gruesome photos showing either Indonesian soldiers or civilians being killed. 'The fighting is much more frequent now,' Harsono said. 'There are more and more Indonesian soldiers sent to West Papua under President Pradowo. 'At the same time, indigenous Papuans are also gaining more and more men, unfortunately also boys, to join the fight in the jungle.' He said the escalation could match similarly intense periods of conflict in 1977, 1984, and 2004. A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday. However, they said all actions conducted by Indonesia's military are in line with international law. They said there were attacks in March and April of this year, instigated by an armed criminal group targeting Indonesian workers and civilians. Harsono said if the attack was indeed on civilians, it would be a clear breach of human rights. However, he said it was difficult to confirm due to the remoteness of the area. He said it is common for civilians to wear army camouflage because of surplus Indonesian uniforms. Wenda said West Papuans are 'a forgotten, voiceless people'. 'Where is the attention of the media and the international community? How many children must be killed before they notice we are dying?' Wenda compared the lack of attention with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict that is getting more media attention. He said Indonesia has banned media 'to prevent journalists from telling the world what is really going on'. The Indonesian Embassy spokesperson said foreign journalists were not allowed in the area for their own safety.
