Melanesia leaders in PIF urge to push for West Papua’s full membership in ULMWP

Melanesian leaders and especially Papua New Guinea have been reminded of the need to push for full membership of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua [ULMWP] at the Pacific Islands Forum [PIF].

The 53rd week-long forum presently underway in Tonga has seen leaders from the 18 Pacific member states gather to discuss key issues like the crisis in New Caledonia, climate change, security and West Papua among others affecting the island countries.

Prime Minister James Marape is in Tonga with other Pacific leaders, together with other leaders like UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres.

International Spokesperson for the Free West Papua campaign Raki Ap told a media conference on Tuesday, Melanesian leaders need to push for the West Papuan issue and ensure ULMWP is granted full membership.

Mr. Ap said, PNG cannot say West Papua is an internal, sovereign issue for Indonesia to deal with when alleged human rights abuses are happening right next door.

“Let's allow the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to become full members within the Melanesian Spirit Group so the sensitive issue that they don't want to talk about, they can give us to talk about it ourselves.

“So allow us that space on the seat, the seat on the table, to confront Indonesia directly, to defend our position as Melanesians. This is the most modest and simple thing the leaders can do.

“Vote West Papua to become full members within the Melanesian Spirit Group and the Pacific Island Forum.

“Demand Indonesia to deliver immediately, not words, not another statement, allow the United Nations High Commissioner to visit West Papua as soon as possible. They're already being pushing it away for more than two years. We need the UN to visit because the situation is getting more urgent," Ap said.