West Papua International Day of Action

The United Nations has marked the 26th June as the International day in support of victims of torture which has been observed from 1998.  Since then, every year people from around the world speak out against the crime of torture and acknowledge the survivors of torture. 
 
In October 2010 footage of a West Papuan highlander being brutally tortured shocked the world and reminded us of the unresolved situation in West Papua.
The footage can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/verify_age?next_url=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DvO1jK281g7k

This year groups around the world that stand in support of West Papua’s struggle for freedom are co-ordinating an International day of Action for the people of West Papua who have been subjected to torture, in solidarity with people all around the world taking a stand against torture.

We hope to send a clear message to the perpetrators of torture that the world is watching.  
While West Papua remains under military and administrative occupation by Indonesia, torture and crimes against humanity will continue to occur.  We therefore support the plight for West Papuan independence and self-determination. 

We invite your participation by organising an action or event in your country or state to show solidarity to the people of West Papua, and to raise awareness of their fight for freedom.
Please let us know of anything you organise so we can produce a list of events to share with each other and for inclusion in media releases. 

“The greatest threat to the fight against torture remains apathy: that we silently accept that torture exists.  Let us promise that we will not silently accept that the crime of torture continues.”
Global Report on the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June 2010

Herman Wainggai

freewestpapuacampaign

From: Yael Winikoff
Date: Sun, May 29, 2011 at 9:36 PM