West Papua National Authority (WPNA)

West Papua National Authority (WPNA)

Tanggal Today 13 November

Edison Waromi LLB, Executive President of West Papua National Authority (WPNA) has called on the Indonesian Government to withdraw all its military forces from West Papua, and torelease all political prisoners to show its genuine intention for peace and human rights.

Recently West Papua has seen an influx of 5,000 extra soldiers, more human rights violations and more political prisoners. There have also been military incursions into Papua New Guinea. A protest today in Jayapura will see more arrests, Mr Waromi predicted.

Mr Waromi said "As Executive President of the West Papua National Authority I repeat my request that our people receive basic human rights and freedom of speech in line with United Nations conventions and international standards"

"Our homeland should not be a military ghetto, but a free and prosperous place where any person can live a life with a good prospect for their future."

"Today, I formally request that the diplomatic resources of the international community be focused on two issues."

"One, that the military occupation of West Papua be ended with the removal of all forces. West Papua is not a war zone. The military's only role there is to repress ordinary people."

"Two, that all political prisoners be released immediately. It is not a crime to speak freely, it is not a crime to express your culture and it is not a crime to be a West Papuan in West Papua."

Members of the West Papuan Australian community are travelling to Canberra to remind both the Indonesian and Australian governments of this appalling situation through peaceful demonstrations and the handing over of letters with diplomatic officials and the Prime Minister's office scheduled for Friday 15 November.

ENDS

© Scoop Media