Focus on West Papua

* Vigils for the people of West Papua, Thursday 14 August *

~ AUCKLAND - Vigil for West Papua as the Pacific heads of government arrive for the opening ceremony of the Pacific Island Forum, to remind them of their responsibility to work for justice and freedom for West Papua; 5-45 pm, outside the Sheraton Hotel Symonds Street, City. For more info contact Indonesia Human Rights Committee email maire@clear.net.nz

~ WELLINGTON - Free West Papua now - vigil for West Papua, in solidarity with the people of West Papua and the Auckland vigil as the Pacific heads of government arrive for the opening ceremony of the Pacific Island Forum; 5pm to 6pm at the Cenotaph, for more info contact Peace Movement Aotearoa email pma@xtra.co.nz

* National speaking tour by John Rumbiak, West Papuan Human Rights Advocate *

'Focus on West Papua - Oppression and resistance: A critical issue for the Pacific' - the national speaking tour by John Rumbiak, West Papuan Human Rights Advocate, of the West Papua Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy (ELSHAM). ELSHAM has been at the forefront of efforts to establish Papua as a Zone of Peace, an initiative involving Papua's governor, key officials, church and other civil society leaders - it is internationally respected for its human rights monitoring work but has been under strong pressure from the Indonesian military, its people, including John, have received death threats and been subject to violence, intimidation and harassment. John is currently a visiting scholar at Columbia University's Center for Human Rights Study, where he is also a Director of the Papua Resource Center. The remaining meetings in John's tour are:

~ WELLINGTON - Monday, 18 August: 'Focus on West Papua - Oppression and resistance: A critical issue for the Pacific' - John Rumbiak, West Papuan Human Rights Advocate speaks following an introduction by Professor Rod Alley (Victoria University) at the Peace Action Wellington meeting, 7pm, Athena College, 203 Willis Street. For more info contact Mark Derby, NZ-West Papua Association, tel (04) 939 1215.

~ CHRISTCHURCH - Wednesday, 20 August: 'Focus on West Papua - Oppression and resistance: A critical issue for the Pacific' - John Rumbiak, West Papuan Human Rights Advocate, speaks at 7-30pm, 1st floor, Trade Union Centre, 199 Armagh Street, for more info contact Daniel Rae email danrae50@hotmail.com

~ DUNEDIN - Thursday, 21 August: 'Focus on West Papua - Oppression and resistance: A critical issue for the Pacific' - John Rumbiak, West Papuan Human Rights Advocate speaks at 7-30pm, the Octagon Seniors Club, 8 The Octagon. For more info contact Maureen Howard tel (03) 477 8502.

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