2016-05-03
The Australian Greens are joining parliamentarians around the world in advocating for the right of the West Papuan people to determine their own political future.
"On the eve of our own election being called, how can we stand by and watch democracy fail so spectacularly for one of our close neighbours?" asked Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale, who in 2012 launched Australia's chapter of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua.
"The UN has said the West Papuan people risk extinction if human rights violations in the country continue, but their suffering is being ignored by the Australian Government.
"A Senate Motion I moved today declared the continuation of human rights violations is unacceptable, and called for an internationally supervised vote on self-determination. That it was denied formality and denied a vote by this government is disgraceful."
Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam said:
"People continue to be detained by the Indonesian Government for peaceful protest, including simple acts like raising a flag. The Australian Government must call for the immediate amnesty and release of these prisoners, and full and free access for media and researchers to the region."
"The Australian Greens stand in solidarity with parliamentarians from around the world who are meeting this week in the British Parliament, advocating for the right of the West Papuan people to self-determination, peace and security."
The Motion read as follows:
The Senate: a) Notes:i. The historic meeting of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua taking place on this day, 3 May 2016, in London, United Kingdom.b) Calls on the Australian Government to join with the International Parliamentarians for West Papua in recognition that:ii. Continued human rights violations in West Papua are unacceptable, with many, including the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, warning that without action by the international community, the West Papuan people risk extinction.iii. Everyone has a right to genuine self-determination, including the West Papuan people; andiv. The only way to achieve this peacefully is through an internationally supervised vote on self-determination.