Tuvalu supports West Papuan self-determination at the United Nations General Assembly

September 21, 2017

Today at the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, H.E. Mr. Enele Sosene Sopoaga made an inspiring speech in which he reaffirmed the strong and consistent support of his people and nation for the people of West Papua.

He stated, “Of similar concerns, the people of West Papua should be enabled to exercise their fundamental right, with the intervention of this responsible body, to allow them to determine their own development aspirations and future.”

Commenting on the Pacific heritage of the West Papuan people, he went onto say, “The West Papuans are a distinct people with Pacific roots, with their own land, history and identity. The violation of human rights in West Papua is a constant matter of great concern to us.”

Crucially, the Prime Minister also reiterated Tuvalu’s support for West Papuan self-determination, stating,
“Tuvalu strongly believes the UN must engage in setting a clear pathway to addressing these issues and the issue of self-determination of the people.”

We are once again fully grateful to H.E. Mr. Enele Sosene Sopoaga and all the people and nation of Tuvalu for their consistent and truly heartfelt support for West Papua. We send our deepest thanks and encouragement for their Pacific solidarity, especially regarding West Papua’s fundamental right to self-determination.

We also send our deepest solidarity and undying support to Tuvalu in its struggle against climate change and we urge everyone to take all possible actions to help support the Tuvaluan people and stop the effects of climate change.