News Stories
Category: Human Rights
West Papuan Political Prisoner Steven Itlay released from jail
February 11, 2017
We are delighted to announce that West Papuan political prisoner Steven Itlay has been released today after serving nearly a year in prison for organising a Free West Papua prayer gathering. Steven Itlay became one of West Papua’s most renowned political prisoners after being arrested in 2016 and has been…
Human Rights in West Papua: 2016 in Review
January 19, 2017
2016 was a dismal year for West Papuan human rights. Despite promises from President Joko Widodo’s administration, abuses continued and even expanded in response to growing Papuan civil society mobilisation in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua and their bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.…
Happy New Year from West Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda
December 31, 2016
Below is a special Christmas and New Year message by the Nobel Peace Prize Nominated West Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda , thanking and encouraging everyone for their continued support for West Papua. This message was originally published as part of our full Christmas and New Year message. “I would
Media Alert: Over 500 people arrested for calling for West Papua’s full MSG membership and rejecting Indonesia’s invasion
December 19, 2016
Today 19th December, rallies took place across West Papua to show support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua at the MSG, as well as rejecting the Indonesian military’s illegal invasion of West Papua exactly 55 years ago on 19th December.
Global Attention Needed – The people of West Papua in danger on 19th December
December 18, 2016
This message has been released by West Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda ahead of rallies that are planned tomorrow on 19th December in West Papua, rejecting the Indonesian military’s illegal invasion of West Papua exactly 55 years ago on 19th December Dear everyone, I am writing this message as an…
PNG Opposition Leader says that West Papuan calls for self-determination process cannot be ignored
December 16, 2016
Information and the photo in this post come from an original article published by Radio New Zealand Papua New Guinea’s Opposition Leader Hon. Don Polye says that West Papuan calls for a legitimate…
Peter Tatchell dedicates Gandhi Peace Award to West Papua
October 31, 2016
Today at the House of Lords in the British Parliament, the renowned Human Rights activist Peter Tatchell was awarded the Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award which he…
URGENT REPORTS: At least 9 West Papuan people shot, 1 killed by Indonesian police
October 29, 2016
I have just received urgent reports that on 27th October, at least 9 West Papuan people were shot and 1 was killed as the Indonesian police opened fire in Manokwari. According to reports, West Papuan people took to the streets to protest the murder of a West Papuan youth Vigal
Melanesian identity is growing in West Papua, in resistance to the increasing repression of the West Papuan people
October 6, 2016
Melanesian Identity is growing in West Papua as a reaction to the increasing repression of the West Papuan people