News Stories
Category: Human Rights
Amnesty International calls for release of Papuan activists
January 16, 2019
Amnesty International is calling on Indonesia to drop treason charges against three Papuan political activists. Yanto Awerkion, Sem Asso and Edo Dogopia were among six members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) arrested in December, when police and military took over the group’s secretariat in Timika. The three men were detained on 5 January and […]
Support Grows in PNG for an Independence Vote in West Papua
January 8, 2019
There’s been renewed unrest and violence West Papua in recent months, and it’s gaining attention across the border in Papua New Guinea. People in PNG feel a strong connection to those on the other side of the island and there has been some renewed support for a referendum in the Indonesian territory. The calls are […]
KNPB members arrested: URGENT ADVOCACY NEEDED
December 31, 2018
Please be advised that Timika police have arrested six Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB) members, including KNPB Timika chapter’s Deputy Chairman Yanto Awerkion, Many may be familiar with Awerkion from his previous arrest that resulted in the highly publicised #FreeYanto campaign. We ask that all human rights advocates please call Victor Dean Mackbon, Head of police in Timika […]
West Papuans in exile: A conversation with Corry Ap
December 25, 2018
Corry Ap is the widow of assassinated West Papuan cultural leader, musician, and anthropologist Arnold Ap. She is also the mother of Oridek Ap, Head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua EU Mission, and Raki Ap, Spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign. Now living in exile in the Netherlands, we recently sat down […]
A prayer for West Papua
December 24, 2018
As the sun rises in West Papua this Christmas morning we want the people to know our thoughts and prayers are with them on this day and always. This Christmas prayer was sent to us by Sister Margaret, who is a dear friend in Australia. Her special offerings have inspired us to reach out to […]
Indonesian military use chemical weapons in West Papua
December 23, 2018
Article originally published by The Saturday Paper There are burns around the wounds. The flesh appears to have been torn open or burrowed into, the victims’ clothing melted or cut away. At least seven are dead. Thousands more have fled into the hills. These are the first images of a major operation being conducted by […]
This Christmas, let the world remember the suffering people of West Papua
December 23, 2018
Benny Wenda – My Christmas message as Chairman of The United Liberation Movement for West Papua – ULMWP On behalf of the ULMWP and the people of West Papua, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. This Christmas, the ULMWP appeals to the international community to remember the […]
Over 500 arrested on 57th anniversary of Indonesia’s invasion of West Papua
December 20, 2018
On December 19th, 1961 Indonesia launched its military invasion of West Papua, Operation Trikora. At the time West Papua (formerly known as New Guinea) was then a Dutch territory. The Dutch had retained sovereignty over the territory and were in the process of preparing them for Independence. Indonesian President Sukarno
Governor Parkop calls on his government to review PNG’s position on West Papua
December 18, 2018
PORT MORESBY: National Capital District Governor, Honourable Powes Parkop is renewing his call on PNG Government to review its position on West Papua and support a legally-supervised referendum for the local Papuans to decide whether they still want to be integrated with Republic of Indonesia or become an independent State.…
West Papua: A statement from the Bishops of the ACANZP
December 17, 2018
As Bishops of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, we express our deep disappointment at the continued suppression by the Indonesian Government of the basic human rights of West Papuan people. We stand with our sisters and brothers in West Papua in their struggle to determine their…