A call to honour regional commitments to West Papua
For nearly two decades, Pacific communiqués have acknowledged concerns in West Papua. With the 2025 PIF Leaders’ Meeting approaching, West Papuan and Pacific CSOs are urging leaders and CROP agencies to match words with action. The open letter highlights an escalating humanitarian and human-rights crisis—with widespread intimidation, service disruptions, and displacement now exceeding 100,000 people—and frames this not as a distant issue but a Pacific responsibility consistent with our “Blue Pacific” vision.
It sets out three practical recommendations:
(1) Independent scrutiny. Re-issue a time-bound invitation for an OHCHR visit; proceed with a PIF fact-finding mission that reports to the 2026 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting; and, alongside it, enable a civil-society-led “People’s Mission” so West Papuan voices are credibly heard.
(2) Needs-based humanitarian response. Activate neutral mechanisms to deliver assistance and protection to displaced communities and support those seeking refuge in PNG—resourcing and safeguarding local responders.
(3) Mediation and IHL. Use regional good offices and multi-track, women-led mediation capacities to encourage a monitored ceasefire and full respect for civilian protections under the Geneva Conventions, with unimpeded humanitarian access.
It sets out three practical recommendations:
(1) Independent scrutiny. Re-issue a time-bound invitation for an OHCHR visit; proceed with a PIF fact-finding mission that reports to the 2026 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting; and, alongside it, enable a civil-society-led “People’s Mission” so West Papuan voices are credibly heard.
(2) Needs-based humanitarian response. Activate neutral mechanisms to deliver assistance and protection to displaced communities and support those seeking refuge in PNG—resourcing and safeguarding local responders.
(3) Mediation and IHL. Use regional good offices and multi-track, women-led mediation capacities to encourage a monitored ceasefire and full respect for civilian protections under the Geneva Conventions, with unimpeded humanitarian access.
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