2) Benny Wenda stands down as head of Papua liberation group
3) MSG’s Failure to Help West Papua. Letter in Vanuatu's Daily post
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1) Papuan lawyers call for impartial probe into woman killed over NZ hostage By APR editor - September 6, 2023
The Human Rights Lawyers Association (PAHAM) Papua has demanded a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the death of Michelle Kurisi, a civilian involved in gathering information about a New Zealand pilot held hostage by West Papuan pro-independence fighters.
She was tragically killed on August 28 in Kolawa District, Lanny Jaya Regency, in the Mountainous Papua Province.
Following Kurisi’s killing, a statement claiming responsibility for the act was made by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) spokesperson, Sebby Sambom.
The TPNPB alleged that the victim had collaborated with security forces and had engaged in spying activities during her visit to Nduga, where she was collecting data on refugees, including information related to the release of the New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens who has been held hostage by a TPNPB group since February 7.
Gustaf R. Kawer, chair of PAHAM Papua, said that the focus of the investigation should not be to find a scapegoat or advance a politically motivated narrative.
Instead, it should prioritise an independent inquiry that delved into the victim’s daily life, her occupation, work-related relationships, and her mission to Nduga, including identifying the institutions or parties she was collaborating with.
He said it was crucial to determine who was with her until she met her tragic end.
‘Close ties with police officers’
“Based on PAHAM Papua’s digital tracing and monitoring efforts,” Gustaf Kawer said in a media release, “it appears that the victim had close ties with several high-ranking police officers in Papua and was actively involved in various conflicts in the region.”
Therefore there was a pressing need for an in-depth, impartial investigation into Michelle Kurisi’s death by a neutral entity.
This would help prevent claims and narratives driven by political interests.
Kawer stressed the importance of gathering witnesses and evidence — including the victim’s digital footprint — her recent activities, and communications with various parties, particularly during her trip to Nduga.
These elements were critical in unravelling the motive behind her murder, he said.
Furthermore, the victim’s participation in a a webinar titled “Indonesia Walk Out Why?” hosted by Bishop Joshua Tewuh was noteworthy.
During this event, she expressed support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) delegation and criticised the Indonesian government strongly.
Speculation about motive
Given her recent track record, there was speculation about the motive behind her murder, Kawer said.
It was possible that her death was not solely orchestrated by the TPNPB but could involve groups with vested interests in Papua, aiming to silence her for her statements or to manipulate the narrative surrounding the Papua conflict.
In light of these circumstances, Gustaf Kawer urged the Indonesian government to establish an independent team, through the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), to investigate cases of extrajudicial killings thoroughly.
This action was essential to prevent unfounded claims and protect civilians in Papua, whether by the TPNPB or the security forces,he said.
Republished with permission.
---------------------------2) Benny Wenda stands down as head of Papua liberation group 11:03 am today The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has declared it will now base itself in the region after years of partial exile.At a conference in Port Vila late last month - coinciding with the Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders' Summit - UK-based Benny Wenda stood down as president.Menase Tabuni is now president.More than 50 representatives from West Papua and all over the world attended the summit in Vanuatu. It was only the second summit since ULMWP was formed in 2014.The movement has an office in Vanuatu, a representative to the EU and some senior officials based in West Papua.Tabuni will now lead the ULMWP from within West Papua, thereby, it said, maintaining its presence and solidarity with the Papuan people on the ground."I am honoured to be appointed as the new ULMWP President and I will do everything I can to continue our legitimate struggle for independence, Tabuni told Jubi TV."We must do this from within West Papua as well as campaigning in the international community."I will remain in Papua with the people while continuing to fight for human rights and my own determination."Octovianus Mote is the new Vice President, Markus Haluk its Secretary, Benny Wenda for Foreign Affairs, Buchtar Tabuni is Chair of the Legislative Council and Apollos Sroyer as Chair of the Judicial Council.The ULMWP is the umbrella organisation representing the main pro-independence organisations in West Papua, including the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL), the Federal Republic of West Papua (NFRPB) and the West Papua National Parliament (PNWP)."ULMWP also wants to clarify that there is no 'Interim Government' and ULMWP is a representative body for all Papuans," Tabuni said.Markus Haluk said the movement welcomed the decision of the MSG leaders to encourage Indonesia to allow the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua, together with the Pacific Delegation.The ULMWP, he said, continues to demand access for international media to be able to visit West Papua and report freely."Indonesia cannot call itself a democratic country if Indonesia continues to hide its largest province from the world," Tabuni said.ULMWP also expressed its "deepest gratitude" to the Vanuatu government for hosting the MSG Summit and the ULMWP group, and also to the people of Vanuatu for their continued support.At the MSG meeting in Port Vila, the leaders of five Melanesian countries and territories avoided a definitive update on the status of the ULMWP's application for full membership.
The Human Rights Lawyers Association (PAHAM) Papua has demanded a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the death of Michelle Kurisi, a civilian involved in gathering information about a New Zealand pilot held hostage by West Papuan pro-independence fighters.
She was tragically killed on August 28 in Kolawa District, Lanny Jaya Regency, in the Mountainous Papua Province.
Following Kurisi’s killing, a statement claiming responsibility for the act was made by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) spokesperson, Sebby Sambom.
The TPNPB alleged that the victim had collaborated with security forces and had engaged in spying activities during her visit to Nduga, where she was collecting data on refugees, including information related to the release of the New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens who has been held hostage by a TPNPB group since February 7.
Gustaf R. Kawer, chair of PAHAM Papua, said that the focus of the investigation should not be to find a scapegoat or advance a politically motivated narrative.
Instead, it should prioritise an independent inquiry that delved into the victim’s daily life, her occupation, work-related relationships, and her mission to Nduga, including identifying the institutions or parties she was collaborating with.
He said it was crucial to determine who was with her until she met her tragic end.
‘Close ties with police officers’
“Based on PAHAM Papua’s digital tracing and monitoring efforts,” Gustaf Kawer said in a media release, “it appears that the victim had close ties with several high-ranking police officers in Papua and was actively involved in various conflicts in the region.”
Therefore there was a pressing need for an in-depth, impartial investigation into Michelle Kurisi’s death by a neutral entity.
This would help prevent claims and narratives driven by political interests.
Kawer stressed the importance of gathering witnesses and evidence — including the victim’s digital footprint — her recent activities, and communications with various parties, particularly during her trip to Nduga.
These elements were critical in unravelling the motive behind her murder, he said.
Furthermore, the victim’s participation in a a webinar titled “Indonesia Walk Out Why?” hosted by Bishop Joshua Tewuh was noteworthy.
During this event, she expressed support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) delegation and criticised the Indonesian government strongly.
Speculation about motive
Given her recent track record, there was speculation about the motive behind her murder, Kawer said.
It was possible that her death was not solely orchestrated by the TPNPB but could involve groups with vested interests in Papua, aiming to silence her for her statements or to manipulate the narrative surrounding the Papua conflict.
In light of these circumstances, Gustaf Kawer urged the Indonesian government to establish an independent team, through the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), to investigate cases of extrajudicial killings thoroughly.
This action was essential to prevent unfounded claims and protect civilians in Papua, whether by the TPNPB or the security forces,he said.
Republished with permission.
3) MSG’s Failure to Help West Papua
Dear Editor,
As a Ni-Vanuatu student currently studying at the University of the South Pacific, Emalus Campus and as a citizen of a country that is part of the MSG, I must say that the MSG has failed on its summit last month to help West Papua.
This has dismayed the West Papuans as well as their supporters in other neighboring Pacific Island Countries.
Even the former Minister of Climate Change for Vanuatu, Ralph Regenvanu, said at the 2nd ULMWP summit that, “Today I feel very sad because the MSG has failed West Papua. When I found out the decision of the leaders, I was shocked and I was really sad.”
Is it not clear enough to the MSG leaders on how the Indonesians are stripping West Papuans off their human rights? What is the purpose of the meeting to decide on West Papua’s Independence if the ULMWP was not part of the senior officials’ meeting of MSG? Why did the MSG leaders’ summit communique claimed ULMWP as not meeting the existing membership criteria without explaining where ULMWP has fallen short?
I think this has something to do with MSG including Indonesia in 2015.
The Indonesians will continue to maltreat and kill the West Papuans residing in PNG and Indonesia unless the leaders and the ULMWP work together with strong determination for West Papua’s freedom.
Prisilla Seule
Jayapura, Jubi – Namantus Gwijangge, a Papuan lawmaker, has called upon the West Papua National Liberation Army Group (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, to adhere to humanitarian principles and respect the right to life of civilians residing in conflict zones.
Gwijangge emphasized the importance of upholding human rights, unity among fellow citizens, and the preservation of human dignity. He stressed that acts of brutality, such as the tragic killing of Michelle Kurisi Ndoga, should not occur at all.
“TPNPB must be held accountable for mistaking a new resident as a spy and killing the unarmed woman,” he stated in a phone call with Jubi on Monday, September 4, 2023.
He also pointed out that TPNPB should have taken steps to protect and ensure the safety of Michelle Kurisi Ndoga rather than resorting to lethal force.
“If TPNPB suspects someone of being a spy in remote locations, they should issue a stern warning. However, they must substantiate their suspicions without resorting to violence,” said Gwijangge.
Gwijangge underlined the need to hold TPNPB accountable for their cruel and inhumane actions, especially considering that women should be safeguarded under the laws of war, irrespective of customary or state warfare practices.
He further called for a transparent police investigation to identify those involved and their motives, emphasizing that such transparency is crucial to deliver justice to the victim’s family. (*)
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