International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) was formed several months ago to promote justice and freedom for West Papua. Since then there have been numerous demonstrations in support across West Papua - a country where anyone taking part in such political activity is at risk of arrest, detention and torture. At least two students involved in the demonstrations were arrested and mistreated. One of them, Bucthar Tabuni, has been sentenced to three years in prison. He has already been held for six months including a period of 3 days without water, during which he was beaten. His crime? Giving a speech that implied support for Papuan separation from Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities assure the international community that their human rights record is improving but ongoing events in West Papua suggest this is far from being the case. It is critical that the world does not look away and allow Indonesia to continue to suppress the rights of West Papuans. I am proud to be part of IPWP’s efforts to raise awareness of the plight of West Papuans and their campaign for self-determination.
