News Stories
Category: Human Rights
Still no justice for Biak Massacre victims
July 6, 2015
On 6 July 1998, West Papuans demonstrating for independence on the island of Biak, West Papua, were murdered by Indonesian military and police and large numbers were detained. Today on the anniversary we remember the victims of those tragic events and repeat our demand for justice.
West Papua makes history with political recognition
June 26, 2015
MEDIA RELEASE 26th of June, 2015 Observer status has today been granted to West Papua by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) sub-regional bloc. After over 53 years of political struggle for the right to self-determination, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) representing West Papuan, was today…
Indonesian government cannot stand in way of West Papuan people
June 24, 2015
The only legitimate representatives of West Papua are the West Papuans themselves. For too long, provincial “governors” imposed by Jakarta have engaged in iron fist administration, and not in the interests of the people they purport to represent.
Over 150,000 West Papuans sign a pro ULMWP petition amid crackdown
June 17, 2015
We have just received this 40 minute video uploaded by a West Papuan activist showing the names of so far over 157,427 West Papuans who in just a few weeks have all signed a petition supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) representing them in the Melanesian Spearhead
Torture and beatings of school students in West Papua
June 9, 2015
We have recently received a report about the torture of junior high students in Timika, West Papua, who were stripped and tortured by the Indonesian military and police who threatened to shoot them. According to information, on 23rd May, West Papuan students were angry with staff that…
More international MPs sign West Papua declaration
June 5, 2015
There is a new wave of political support growing for West Papua’s legal right to self determination. People writing to their MP’s really does work. Thanks to everyone who has been emailing their politicians asking them to support West Papua. Legal self determination for West Papua!! International Parliamentarians for West…
Statement on mass arrests of West Papuans supporting MSG bid
May 30, 2015
Benny Wenda has released this statement in light of the further mass arrests and torture of West Papuans by the Indonesian police, just for peacefully supporting West Papua joining the Melanesian Spearhead Group through the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP). For media and press related inquiries you can…
Dozens of West Papuans arrested, many tortured for joining pro MSG rallies
May 28, 2015
Media advisory – for immediate release Dozens arrested and many injured as police crackdown on protesters in West Papua 28 May 2015 28 May 2015 – At least 81 people have been arrested in West Papua by Indonesian authorities at a number of protest rallies. Reports of beatings and mistreatment…
Is media freedom more than words?
May 11, 2015
The Free West Papua Campaign (FWPC) welcomes news that journalists may now be able to visit West Papua. During his second visit to West Papua, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said visa restrictions are to be lifted. The announcement comes just days after a global day of action ‘for journalist access’…
Hundreds arrested across West Papua at 1st May protests
May 4, 2015
A large number of rallies were held across West Papua on 1st May when people remembered and protested against the original handing over of the administration of West Papua from the Netherlands to Indonesia on 1st May 1963. It has been reported that up to 269 people were arrested