Parkop: West Papua must be recognised

PNG has continuously failed to address and recognise  the self-determination of the Melanesian West Papua and it is an international shame to allow human rights to be abused, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said.
Parkop told parliament that for more than 50 years the Western Papuans had been suppressed and were fighting for self determination. But PNG, as a Christian country and a Melanesian brother, continued to neglect the plight of their brothers and sisters on the other side of the island of New Guinea.
He said PNG had ne­ver spoken out in support of their self-determination and to condemn the continuous human rights abuse on the island.
He said West Papuans wanted to be part of Indonesia and they needed the support of PNG.
“The island is a complete island starting from Surang to Samarai but we seem to be pretending not to know anything about the plight of our relatives on the other side,” Parkop said.
“It is about time PNG raise the concern at international forums about human rights abuse and the rights for self-determination of the people of West Papua.”