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John Key must raise human rights concerns with Indonesian President Widodo
West Papua Action Auckland Media Release - July 18, 2016
The situation in West Papua critical – young people have been arrested in unprecedented numbers – over 3000 since May this year. All of these people were doing nothing more than take part in peaceful demonstrations in the streets and towns of West Papua. There were further arrests last week as Papuans demonstrated their support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and its bid to be included as a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
In the last few days a number of West Papuan students studying in Jogyakarta were held under siege by the police and a number of militia style groups. They were also threatened with violence and subjected to a torrent of racist abuse from the extreme nationalists. Several of their number were arrested – once again on account of plans to take part in a peaceful public demonstration of their support for change in West Papua.
West Papua has been under repressive Indonesian rule since 1963, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands over the years. Massacres such as the killing of four students in Paniai at the end of 2014 remain unaccounted for, but the people have never stopped struggling for freedom. The right to freedom of expression and assembly is fundamental and the cornerstone of any democratic society. John Key cannot limit his discussions with the Indonesian President to trade or the issues in the South China Sea. West Papua is our Pacific neighbour.
For further information: Maire Leadbeater 09-815-9000 or 0274-436-957
Source: https://westpapuaactionauckland.wordpress.com/.
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