Latest news with #ULMWP
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pro-Independence Advocates Urge Melanesian Spearhead Group To Elevate ULMWP Membership
Two international organisations are leading a call for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to elevate the membership status of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) at their upcoming summit in Honiara in September. The collective led by International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP) has again highlighted the urgent need for greater international oversight and diplomatic engagement in the West Papua Region. This influential group includes PNG's National Capital District governor Powes Parkop, UK's former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and New Zealand's former Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty. The ULMWP currently holds observer status within the MSG, a regional body comprising Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. A statement by the organisations said upgrading the ULMWP's membership is "within the remit of the MSG" and requires a consensus among member states. They appeal to the Agreement Establishing the MSG, which undertakes to "promote, coordinate and strengthen…exchange of Melanesian cultures, traditions and values, sovereign equality…to further MSG members' shared goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, peace, and security," considering that all these ambitions would be advanced by upgrading ULMWP membership. However, Indonesia's associate membership in the MSG, granted in 2015, has become a significant point of contention, particularly for West Papuan self-determination advocates. This inclusion is widely seen as a strategic maneuver by Jakarta to counter growing regional support for West Papuan independence. The ULMWP and its supporters consistently question why Indonesia, as the administering power over West Papua, should hold any status within a forum intended to champion Melanesian interests, arguing that Indonesia's presence effectively stifles critical discussions about West Papua's self-determination, creating a diplomatic barrier to genuine dialogue and accountability within the very body meant to serve Melanesian peoples. Given Papua New Guinea's historical record within the MSG, its likely response at the upcoming summit in Honiara will be characterised by a delicate balancing act. While PNG has expressed concerns regarding human rights in West Papua and supported calls for a UN Human Rights mission, it has consistently maintained respect for Indonesia's sovereignty over the region. Past statements from PNG leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, have emphasised Indonesia's responsibility for addressing internal issues in West Papua and have noted that the ULMWP has not met the MSG's criteria for full membership. Further complicating the situation, the IPWP and ILWP report that West Papua remains largely cut off from international scrutiny. A strict ban on journalists entering the region means accounts of severe and ongoing human rights abuses often go unreported. The joint statement highlights a critical lack of transparency, noting that "very little international oversight" exists. A key point of contention is Indonesia's failure to honour its commitments; despite the 2023 MSG leaders' summit urging the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a human rights mission to West Papua before the 2024 summit, Indonesia has yet to facilitate this visit. The IPWP/ILWP statement says the continued refusal is a violation of its obligations as a UN member state.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pro-independence advocates urge Melanesian Spearhead Group to elevate ULMWP membership
Indigenous Papuans at a rallying in Merauke, West Papua. Photo: Facebook / Sa Papua Two international organisations are leading a call for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to elevate the membership status of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) at their upcoming summit in Honiara in September. The collective led by International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP) has again highlighted the urgent need for greater international oversight and diplomatic engagement in the West Papua Region. This influential group includes PNG's National Capital District governor Powes Parkop, UK's former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and New Zealand's former Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty. The ULMWP currently holds observer status within the MSG, a regional body comprising Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. A statement by the organisations said upgrading the ULMWP's membership is "within the remit of the MSG" and requires a consensus among member states. They appeal to the Agreement Establishing the MSG, which undertakes to "promote, coordinate and strengthen…exchange of Melanesian cultures, traditions and values, sovereign equality…to further MSG members' shared goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, peace, and security," considering that all these ambitions would be advanced by upgrading ULMWP membership. Photo: AFP/ Andrew Gal However, Indonesia's associate membership in the MSG, granted in 2015, has become a significant point of contention, particularly for West Papuan self-determination advocates. This inclusion is widely seen as a strategic maneuver by Jakarta to counter growing regional support for West Papuan independence. The ULMWP and its supporters consistently question why Indonesia, as the administering power over West Papua, should hold any status within a forum intended to champion Melanesian interests, arguing that Indonesia's presence effectively stifles critical discussions about West Papua's self-determination, creating a diplomatic barrier to genuine dialogue and accountability within the very body meant to serve Melanesian peoples. Given Papua New Guinea's historical record within the MSG, its likely response at the upcoming summit in Honiara will be characterised by a delicate balancing act. While PNG has expressed concerns regarding human rights in West Papua and supported calls for a UN Human Rights mission, it has consistently maintained respect for Indonesia's sovereignty over the region. Past statements from PNG leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, have emphasised Indonesia's responsibility for addressing internal issues in West Papua and have noted that the ULMWP has not met the MSG's criteria for full membership. Further complicating the situation, the IPWP and ILWP report that West Papua remains largely cut off from international scrutiny. A strict ban on journalists entering the region means accounts of severe and ongoing human rights abuses often go unreported. The joint statement highlights a critical lack of transparency, noting that "very little international oversight" exists. A key point of contention is Indonesia's failure to honour its commitments; despite the 2023 MSG leaders' summit urging the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a human rights mission to West Papua before the 2024 summit, Indonesia has yet to facilitate this visit. The IPWP/ILWP statement says the continued refusal is a violation of its obligations as a UN member state.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Rising Military Operations In West Papua Spark Concerns About Displacement Of Indigenous Papuans
Article – RNZ The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist A West Papua independence leader says escalating violence is forcing indigenous Papuans to flee their ancestral lands. It comes as the Indonesian military claims 18 members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were killed in an hour-long operation in Intan Jaya on 14 May. In a statement, reported by Kompas Daily, Indonesia's military said its presence is 'not to intimidate the people' but to protect them from violence. 'We will not allow the people of Papua to live in fear in their own land,' it said. Indonesia's military said it seized firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows. They also took morning star flags – used as a symbol for West Papuan independence – and communication equipment. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) interim president Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, told RNZ Pacific that seven villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency in Central Papua are now being attacked. 'The current military escalation in West Papua has now been building for months. Initially targeting Intan Jaya, the Indonesian military have since broadened their attacks into other highlands Regencies, including Puncak,' he said. Wenda said women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict, often from drone attacks or airstrikes. Earlier this month, ULMWP claimed one civilian and another was seriously injured after being shot at from a helicopter. Last week, ULMWP shared a video of a group of indigenous Papuans walking through mountains holding an Indonesian flag, which Wenda said was a symbol of surrender. 'They look at us as primitive and they look at us as subhuman,' Wenda said. He said the increased military presence was driven by resources. President Prabowo Subianto's administration has a goal to be able to feed Indonesia's population without imports as early as 2028. A video statement from tribes in Mappi Regency in South Papua from about a month ago, translated to English, said they rejected Indonesia's food project and asked companies to leave. In the video, about a dozen Papuans stood while one said the clans in the region had existed on customary land for generations and that companies had surveyed land without consent. 'We firmly ask the local government, the regent, Mappi Regency to immediately review the permits and revoke the company's permits,' the person speaking said. Wenda said the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) had also grown. But he said many of the TPNPB were using bow and arrows against modern weapons. 'I call them home guard because there's nowhere to go.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Rising Military Operations In West Papua Spark Concerns About Displacement Of Indigenous Papuans
The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist A West Papua independence leader says escalating violence is forcing indigenous Papuans to flee their ancestral lands. It comes as the Indonesian military claims 18 members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were killed in an hour-long operation in Intan Jaya on 14 May. In a statement, reported by Kompas Daily, Indonesia's military said its presence is 'not to intimidate the people' but to protect them from violence. 'We will not allow the people of Papua to live in fear in their own land,' it said. Indonesia's military said it seized firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows. They also took morning star flags – used as a symbol for West Papuan independence – and communication equipment. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) interim president Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, told RNZ Pacific that seven villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency in Central Papua are now being attacked. 'The current military escalation in West Papua has now been building for months. Initially targeting Intan Jaya, the Indonesian military have since broadened their attacks into other highlands Regencies, including Puncak,' he said. Wenda said women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict, often from drone attacks or airstrikes. Earlier this month, ULMWP claimed one civilian and another was seriously injured after being shot at from a helicopter. Last week, ULMWP shared a video of a group of indigenous Papuans walking through mountains holding an Indonesian flag, which Wenda said was a symbol of surrender. 'They look at us as primitive and they look at us as subhuman,' Wenda said. He said the increased military presence was driven by resources. President Prabowo Subianto's administration has a goal to be able to feed Indonesia's population without imports as early as 2028. A video statement from tribes in Mappi Regency in South Papua from about a month ago, translated to English, said they rejected Indonesia's food project and asked companies to leave. In the video, about a dozen Papuans stood while one said the clans in the region had existed on customary land for generations and that companies had surveyed land without consent. 'We firmly ask the local government, the regent, Mappi Regency to immediately review the permits and revoke the company's permits,' the person speaking said. Wenda said the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) had also grown. But he said many of the TPNPB were using bow and arrows against modern weapons. 'I call them home guard because there's nowhere to go.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Rising Military Operations In West Papua Spark Concerns About Displacement Of Indigenous Papuans
A West Papua independence leader says escalating violence is forcing indigenous Papuans to flee their ancestral lands. It comes as the Indonesian military claims 18 members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were killed in an hour-long operation in Intan Jaya on 14 May. In a statement, reported by Kompas Daily, Indonesia's military said its presence is "not to intimidate the people" but to protect them from violence. "We will not allow the people of Papua to live in fear in their own land," it said. Indonesia's military said it seized firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows. They also took morning star flags - used as a symbol for West Papuan independence - and communication equipment. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) interim president Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, told RNZ Pacific that seven villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency in Central Papua are now being attacked. "The current military escalation in West Papua has now been building for months. Initially targeting Intan Jaya, the Indonesian military have since broadened their attacks into other highlands Regencies, including Puncak," he said. Wenda said women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict, often from drone attacks or airstrikes. Earlier this month, ULMWP claimed one civilian and another was seriously injured after being shot at from a helicopter. Last week, ULMWP shared a video of a group of indigenous Papuans walking through mountains holding an Indonesian flag, which Wenda said was a symbol of surrender. "They look at us as primitive and they look at us as subhuman," Wenda said. He said the increased military presence was driven by resources. President Prabowo Subianto's administration has a goal to be able to feed Indonesia's population without imports as early as 2028. A video statement from tribes in Mappi Regency in South Papua from about a month ago, translated to English, said they rejected Indonesia's food project and asked companies to leave. In the video, about a dozen Papuans stood while one said the clans in the region had existed on customary land for generations and that companies had surveyed land without consent. "We firmly ask the local government, the regent, Mappi Regency to immediately review the permits and revoke the company's permits," the person speaking said. Wenda said the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) had also grown. But he said many of the TPNPB were using bow and arrows against modern weapons. "I call them home guard because there's nowhere to go."
