Vanuatu has raised concerns over alleged human rights violations in West Papua, called for the decolonisation of Kanaky New Caledonia and urged France to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands.
Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Odo Tevi, raised the three issues in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tevi said peace and security could not be separated from human rights and called for renewed international attention to the situation of indigenous Papuans in West Papua.
“Vanuatu remains deeply concerned about reports of serious human rights violations affecting indigenous Papuans in West Papua,” Tevi said.
He said United Nations special procedures had raised concerns over indigenous rights, displacement, cultural rights, environmental impacts and the treatment of human rights defenders in Papua.
“The call from the Pacific Forum leaders for the UN Human Rights Commissioner visit to West Papua remains unheeded and needs to be action,” he said.
Tevi also reaffirmed Vanuatu’s support for the decolonisation of Kanaky New Caledonia, which remains on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
“We reiterate the inalienable right of the indigenous Kanak people to self-determination and call for a peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible process consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and relevant General Assembly resolutions,” he said.
Tevi said Vanuatu remained concerned about persistent socio-economic disparities affecting Kanaks, including inequalities in employment, education, income and access to economic opportunities.
He said the disparities were long-standing structural imbalances that constrained the full and equitable enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by indigenous Kanaks despite New Caledonia’s natural resources and economic potential.
“Addressing these disparities is essential to fostering social cohesion and advancing a just, inclusive and sustainable decolonisation process,” Tevi said.
Vanuatu called for the full implementation of relevant UN resolutions on New Caledonia and continued engagement among all stakeholders, including France as the administering power and representatives of the people.
Tevi also reaffirmed the role of the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation and the Fourth Committee in advancing self-determination.
He said the rights, aspirations and interests of the Kanak people must remain at the centre of the decolonisation process.
Turning to Vanuatu’s territorial dispute with France, Tevi said the Vanuatu Government had initiated proceedings against France before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)at the end of August.
The case concerns sovereignty over Umaenupne and Umaeneg islands, known in English as Matthew and Hunter Islands, as well as maritime boundaries between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
“These islands are an integral part of Vanuatu’s territory,” Tevi said.
He said Vanuatu’s position was grounded in customary governance, long-standing historical connections and indigenous ownership, which he said formed part of the country’s responsibility as ancestral custodians.
Tevi acknowledged France’s support for the international rules-based order and its backing for international judicial institutions.
He also recognised France’s cooperation with Vanuatu on global climate action, including support for initiatives before the ICJ.
“We greatly value this partnership and France leadership on issues of international importance.
“It is in the same spirit of mutual respect and commitment to international law that we respectfully invite France to consent to the jurisdiction of the court,” Tevi said.
Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan political figure Laurenzus Kadepa says differences in perspectives have made it difficult to find the best solution to the Papua issue, contributing to a breakdown in communication between the central government and Papuan communities.
Kadepa, who served on the Papua Legislative Council’s committee overseeing government, politics, law, human rights and security from 2014 to 2024, said the central government and Papuan communities had different views on how to address the root causes of problems in the region.
He said the central government had focused more on development, welfare, special autonomy, security, law enforcement and maintaining Indonesia’s territorial integrity.
Papuan communities, meanwhile, had placed greater emphasis on alleged human rights violations, the protection of Indigenous peoples, history, identity, justice and political space.
“When human rights issues and conflict are addressed only through physical development or a security approach, people feel that the root causes have not been resolved,” Kadepa said in a message on Sunday (27/9/2026).
He said the central government needed to establish inclusive and dignified dialogue with Papuan communities and other stakeholders in the region.
The dialogue should involve the Papuan People’s Councils (MRP) in the six provinces of Papua, customary leaders, churches, women, young people, academics, civil society and other elements of Papuan society.
“Every alleged violation of the law and human rights must be addressed transparently, fairly and accountably. Whoever is responsible must be investigated and held accountable through the proper mechanisms,” he said.
According to Kadepa, dialogue was not a threat to the state. Rather, it was a way to build trust, because development in Papua could not be limited to physical infrastructure.
“Papua must be heard, respected, protected and treated fairly. Humanity must be the common ground,” he said.
Kadepa also said development in Papua should put Papuan people at its centre.
“Protecting the rights of Indigenous Papuans, customary land, education, healthcare and the economy, while ensuring that special autonomy funds are genuinely felt by the community,” he said. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – The Legal and Human Rights Department of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) has launched the GIDI Legal Aid Institute (LBH GIDI) in Jayapura, Papua, on Monday (28/9/2026).
GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department Chairman Rev. Jimmy Koirewoa said the establishment of LBH GIDI was part of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia’s commitment to addressing legal and humanitarian issues faced by church members and the wider community.
He said GIDI saw the need for an institution specifically tasked and equipped to monitor, provide legal assistance and support, protect, document and report on various legal and humanitarian issues affecting communities.
The establishment of LBH GIDI is therefore expected to provide a platform for advocacy on issues faced by different groups in society.
“Especially for ordinary people and those in vulnerable situations, while providing legal protection and assistance to people who need it,” Rev. Koirewoa said in a statement on Monday (28/9/2026).
He said LBH GIDI was officially launched by the president and vice-president of GIDI, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of its operations.
Lawyers involved in providing legal and humanitarian assistance through LBH GIDI are expected to carry out their work professionally and with integrity, while upholding the principles of justice, humanity, respect for human rights and the interests of people seeking legal assistance.
Rev. Koirewoa said LBH GIDI would provide services directly in the field, particularly in situations where communities were vulnerable.
These include conflict and violence, natural and social disasters, displacement, social issues, alleged human rights violations, legal problems faced by communities, and other situations requiring legal assistance, protection and support.
In carrying out its role, LBH GIDI is expected to coordinate with GIDI’s Legal and Human Rights Department and work closely with the GIDI Humanitarian Team, churches, communities, government institutions, humanitarian organisations, community organisations and other parties concerned with law enforcement, justice, human rights and humanitarian issues.
“This cooperation is expected to strengthen the services provided so that people facing legal or humanitarian difficulties can receive the assistance and support they need,” he said.
The GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department has called on GIDI members and all other parties who are willing to contribute to support the work of LBH GIDI.
It said such support was part of a collective effort to strengthen legal assistance, protection and support for members of the church and communities in need.
“The GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department welcomes all parties who care about legal and humanitarian services to work together in supporting the establishment and work of LBH GIDI,” Rev. Koirewoa said. (*)
