CAIRNS FORUM: WEST PAPUA OFF THE FORUM AGENDA

Nic Maclellan

Following the Forum leaders meeting, West Papuan leaders expressed disappointment that the issue of human rights in the Indonesian-controlled territory was not discussed by regional leaders.

Speaking to ISLANDS BUSINESS in Cairns, the Vice Chair of the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) John Ondawame stated: “We don’t expect much from this meeting but we are here to set out our objectives for the future. I’m very pessimistic—with Australia in the chair, it’s unlikely our calls will be considered.”