http://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/west-papua-film-on-17-november-solidarity-on-1-december/262403257140384

'Strange Birds in Paradise: A West Papuan story', screening in Wellington

** *Thursday, 17 November* - 'Strange Birds in Paradise: A West Papuan story' - music can rise above tyranny. 'An expedition of imagination and discovery to the hidden Indonesian province of West Papua that exposes its sad history and desperate hopes but culminates in a joyful and defiant musical celebration.' The Indonesian government's violent oppression of indigenous West Papuans has kept the story of West Papua largely hidden from the public view. In 'Strange Birds in Paradise', an Australian musicologist explores the experiences of three West Papuans as they record outlawed folk songs and creatively resist the oppression under which they live. The documentary urges viewers to learn more about the story of West Papua. Following the screening, there will be a short discussion of the role New Zealand can have in promoting peace in West Papua and how you can stand in solidarity with West Papuans by joining the Independence Day flag raising on 1 December. From 6pm to 8pm, at St Andrew's, 30 The Terrace Wellington - all are welcome, tea and snacks will be provided.
Organised by West Papua Solidarity Wellington, you can RSVP to this event at:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php'eid=274820432557255
and an A4 flyer is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wp171111.pdf

More information about 'Strange Birds in Paradise' is available at
http://www.strangebirds.com.au

West Papua Independence Day, 1 December

1 December is West Papua Independence Day, the anniversary of the 1961 West Papuan Declaration of Independence from Dutch colonial rule. In West Papua, people mark Independence Day in a variety of ways, including raising the Morning Star (the West Papuan flag) - despite the threat of arrest and murder. In previous years, the Indonesian military and police have responded with increased violent oppression around this day, arresting and killing those they perceive as pro-independence activists. West Papua Independence Day is marked by solidarity events around the world, including in Wellington and Auckland (see details below).

Wellington

Thursday, 1 December, at 1pm* - Gathering in solidarity with the people of West Papua: join us to fly the Morning Star flag, with the opportunity to write a personal message in support of justice, peace and self-determination for West Papua if you wish. At 1pm, Parliament grounds, Wellington.
You can RSVP to this event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php'eid=293668230653318
and an A4 flyer is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wp011211w.pdf

Organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa, for more information contact email: pma@xtra.co.nz

Auckland

* • *Thursday, 1 December, at 12 noon* - join the annual flag-raising of the Morning Star at midday at Aotea Square in front of the Town Hall, Auckland. Organised by the Indonesia Human Rights Committee, for more information contact email maire@clear.net.nz

• *Thursday, 1 December, at 7pm* - the Indonesia Human Rights Committee Annual General Meeting, including a power point power point presentation about West Papua, will be held at 7pm at the Peace Place, 22 Emily Place, Auckland City; for more information contact email maire@clear.net.nz *3) Messages of solidarity for the people of West Papua * You are invited to add your voice to those of people around the world who are calling for justice, peace and self-determination for the people of West Papua by writing a message of solidarity to go on the web page at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wpsol.htm If you would like your message included there, please send your name, address*, occupation / position and organisation (optional), and message to Peace Movement Aotearoa, email pma@xtra.co.nz [* only the town / city part of your address will be put on the web page, not your full address]. If you can help distribute 'Messages of solidarity' forms from stalls, or in newsletters or other mailouts, the printable copy of the form is at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wpsol.pdf

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