Headline: NZ needs to ensure West Papuan APEC protestors are safe
If New Zealand wants to be elected to the United Nations Security Council then we need to show leadership on issues that affect human rights in our own backyard.
The Green Party is calling on Prime Minister John Key to show leadership while he is at the APEC summit over the West Papua issue.
Three West Papuans, Markus Jerewon, Yuvensius Goo and Rofinus Yanggam entered the Australian Consulate in Bali and have released an open letter to the APEC leaders currently meeting in Bali regarding the plight of West Papua under Indonesian rule.
“John Key needs to use his position at APEC to ensure that these West Papuan protestors are safe,” Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty said today.
“These young men are calling for refuge and calling for the citizens of West Papua to be treated with respect to their human rights.
“They are asking Australia to help them challenge Indonesia to allow freedom of the press and freedom for political prisoners in West Papua.
“If New Zealand wants to be elected to the United Nations Security Council then we need to show leadership on issues that affect human rights in our own backyard.
“John Key has the opportunity while he is at the APEC summit to make a statement in support of human rights for West Papua and the right to amnesty for West Papuan political refugees.
“New Zealand must encourage Australia under the Abbott Government to do the right thing and challenge Indonesia to change their approach to West Papuans who stand up for their human rights and self-determination,” Ms Delahunty said.
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