30 July 2014

Historic cross party support as Parliament backs media freedom in West Papua

West Papua Action Auckland applauds the decision of the New Zealand Parliament to give its backing to genuine media freedom for local and international journalists in West Papua.

‘I am delighted that our parliamentarians have taken this strong step. Open access for international journalists is a key demand of civil society human rights defenders in West Papua. Visiting Papuan journalist Victor Mambor has made this appeal in many international forums as well during his current visit to New Zealand. It is great that New Zealand is now on public record as standing up for this fundamental democratic right.’

Open access and an end to the harassment and attacks on journalists are vital if the voices of the West Papuan people are to be heard. This is a key step to ending the ongoing repression and human rights abuses.

‘We congratulate Catherine Delahunty MP for putting forward this resolution to her colleagues. I am convinced that New Zealand’s voice on this issue will be heard and that it will make a positive difference. It is particularly timely in the light of renewed interest in West Papua in the Pacific and the prospect of a more responsive Indonesian leadership when Joko Widowo takes up Presidential office in October.’

Catherine Delahunty moved in Parliament on 30 November 2014:
I move that this House call upon the new President of Indonesia to commit to genuine media freedom in West Papua including the right of local and international journalists to report on the political situation there without risk of imprisonment or harassment by the Indonesian state.

Click here details of West Papua seminar (West Papua- The Pacific’s Secret Shame) 1 and 2 August 2014.

ENDS

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