December 1 marked by harsh crackdowns in West Papua; McCully urged to act

3 December 2015

Below is the text of a letter faxed to Hon Murray McCully today. West Papua Action is urging him to speak about the gross human rights abuses that took place two days ago in West Papua. Mr McCully is also urged to take the initiative to pursue the proposal of a fact-finding mission to the territory as put forward at the recent Summit of the Pacific Islands Forum.

West Papua Action Auckland
Box 68 419,
Auckland 1145

3 December 2015

Hon Murray McCully,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Parliament Buildings
Wellington.
Fax 04-817-6510

Dear Mr McCully,

We are deeply concerned about the many reports we are receiving of harsh security force crackdowns on peaceful gatherings held across West Papua and in Jakarta on 1 December this year.

We urge you to speak immediately against these gross human rights abuses. New Zealand must do all it can to ensure that the fact finding mission proposed at the recent Pacific Island Forum meeting takes place as soon as possible. Action must accompany words.

As you know 1 December has deep significance for the Papuan people as the anniversary of the day in 1961 when the Morning Star flag was first raised officially to mark that the territory was on a clear path to independence from the Dutch.

We understand that at least one and possibly more people have been killed in Serui, and that there have been scores of arrests across the country. These arrests include at least 20 in Nabire. The military presence at demonstrations this year was even more excessive than in previous years, despite the fact that reports say the events involved prayer meetings and activists refrained from raising the banned flag.

In Jakarta, a large demonstration was violently dispersed with tear gas. There were some 306 arrests and two foreign journalists were heavied and forced to hand over their camera footage. A young West Papuan, is understood to be in hospital after being shot, beaten up and tear-gassed at the Jakarta demonstration. This police crackdown in Jakarta is exceptional, as similar West Papuan demonstrations in the capital have not been attacked in this manner.

These events stand in contrast to the statements made by President Joko Widodo who has signalled a greater openness to listening to West Papuan voices and a commitment to allow international journalists to visit the territory. It also comes as a deep disappointment after the welcome release from jail of political prisoner Filep Karma who had served 11 years for raising the Morning Star flag.

1 December reminds us that the Papuan people have been suffering repression for 54 years. New Zealand as a Pacific neighbour can no longer remain silent.

Yours sincerely,

Maire Leadbeater and Marni Gilbert
West Papua Action Auckland

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