Papua Human Rights Activists Seek Forum Probe

14 August 2003

The Papuan self-determination movement has called on Pacific Forum leaders to send a fact-finding mission to the Indonesian province to assess the human rights situation there.

Papuan activists say the Indonesian province has become a forgotten Pacific nation as it seeks to be granted observer status at the Forum.

Spokesman John Ondawame said the mission could monitor grievances and human rights abuses.

"The presence of an international fact finding mission will reinforce the works of the human rights organizations in West Papua and themselves can see directly the situation of the West Papuan people," he said.

Vanuatu has been backing the Papuan cause.

© 2003 Radio New Zealand International

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