Heads of State of Tuvalu and Marshall Islands include West Papua in their UN address

September 28, 2018

At the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly Prime Minister Sopoaga of Tuvalu and President Hilda Heine President of the Republic of Marshal Islands both addressed West Papua in their General Debate speeches that prioritized such important topics as Climate Change, Nuclear Testing, Trade, and National Security. Vanuatu is expected to be the next to speak about West Papua during the morning session on Friday September 28th. Vanuatu will join Samoa, Fiji, and Solomon Islands representing Pacific Island nations on Friday. Papua New Guinea and the Philippines will speak on Saturday September 29th. To watch the General Assembly debates LIVE click HERE

“We Believe the United Nations must also engage with the people of West Papua to find lasting solutions to their struggles. “ – Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Prime Minister of Tuvalu

“Madam President, Decolonization and human rights are both important issues in the Pacific Island region. I strongly affirm the position of the Pacific Island Forum leaders in recognizing a constructive engagement y foreign countries with Indonesia with respect to elections and human rights in West Papua and the commitment to continue dialogue in an open and constructive manner.” – Hilda Heine, President of Republic of the Marshall Islands