International
During a consultation entitled “Papuan People Speak Up,” held 10-12 December, director of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Peter Prove offered a message celebrating this show of unity in a time of division
International
Human Rights Monitor, a human rights organisation focusing on West Papua, Indonesia, has just released a report titled “Destroy Them First, Discuss Human Rights Later: An investigation of Indonesian Security Forces’ operations in Kiwirok under International Law”
“God calls us to respect one another. This, in part at least, involves respecting people’s territories, traditions and protocols; seeking counsel and consent; and, caring for one another. Respect is also about being welcoming and inclusive. When respect is fostered, harmony presides. When respect is denied, harm is caused,” says Aunty Dr Rose Elu in her Lambeth Conference Anglican Indigenous Network address
“Human rights abuses of West Papuans by the Indonesian Government have gone on for so long that many people who were born since the Indonesian takeover are now grandparents. That’s why West Papuan Australians like me need to speak up in support of the Pacific Elders and others who stand up for the rights of my people to live in peace, freedom and safety,” says a former West Papuan refugee
“While we were on the island building the canoe we prayed and fasted in preparation for the journey, so we were spiritually and mentally ready. We knew that if we were caught by the Indonesian military that we would be tortured or killed. We also knew that we would likely have to contend with cyclones, pirates, sharks, thirst and hunger,” says a former refugee from West Papua
“In my six visits to West Papua since 2015, I have certainly sensed the fear that naturally comes when acts of unbelievable brutality are perpetrated against the West Papuan community…However, I have also seen and experienced the indomitable hope for freedom and justice welling up in the hearts of Papuans when I have spent time with them,” says Peter Arndt
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