Home > South-East Asia >> West Papua

Powes Parkop will be presented with John Rumbiak Human Rights Defenders Award for 2013 today

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) Statement - November 27, 2013

• Launch of Free West Papua Campaign (PNG Chapter) - Free West Papua News Release. November 4, 2013
• Indonesia: 'The Neglected Genocide' - a report detailing series of abuses in 1977-1978 in Papua is launched - Asian Human Rights Commission Press Release. October 24, 2013
• Rights groups call on MSG to allow West Papuans to claim their Melanesian identity- TAPOL Press Release. October 15, 2013
• West Papuan asylum seekers dumped in remote refugee camp - Freedom Flotilla Press Release. October 13, 2013
• Community policing for West Papua opposed - West Papua Action Auckland. October 11, 2013

He will receive the award today, 27 November at a civil society forum at UPNG. The day after receiving the award Governor Parkop will host a meeting of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua.

The Award is given annually by the West Papua Advocacy Team to individuals or organisations in recognition of their work in support of West Papua. The award is in honour of John Rumbiak, a renowned champion of human rights for West Papuans who tragically suffered a debilitating stroke in 2005.

When AWPA was formed 20 years ago, Powes Parkop was already known internationally for his support of West Papua. In fact, Powes has been an activist for West Papua since he was in high school.

The award recognises his ongoing commitment to improve the human rights situation in West Papua. Governor Parkop, is also a member of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua and recently launched the "Sorong to Samarai Petition Campaign."

"We (Papua New Guineans) are not responsible for the occupation of West Papua but we have a moral responsible to do something. We did not create the problem 50years ago but we have closed our eyes. For 50years have closed our ears. For 50years we have closed our mouth. We should not do this any more. We have a moral responsibility to help our brothers and sisters on the other side of the border. I encourage you all to join this campaign and support the people of West Papua. I believe West Papua will be free in my life time."

We warmly congratulate Powes on his award and his ongoing commitment to bring the issue of West Papua to the attention of both the PNG Government and the international community.

Joe Collins on behalf of AWPA (Sydney)

See also:

West Papua

West Papua Links

Statements and Press Releases on West Papua

Indonesia

Indoleft Archive

Indonesia links

Indonesia News Digest

News services on Indonesia

Publications & videos on Indonesia

Reports & articles on Indonesia

Statements & press releases on Indonesia