Benny Wenda Prominent West Papuan Leader Visits Christchurch 27 August

Benny Wenda, spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and tribal leader, will visit Aotearoa New Zealand around 23 August to 1 September. He is seeking support for the campaign for justice and self-determination for the people of West Papua.

Occupied by Indonesia since 1963, West Papuans are victims of ongoing human rights abuses, killings, torture, beatings, military and police intimidation, and gross neglect of basic services. When Papuans resist occupation non-violently they are labeled as ‘separatists’ and risk severe penalties under Indonesia’s outdated treason and incitement laws.

Benny Wenda was arrested in 2002 by Indonesian authorities for allegedly leading an independence rally. He was tortured, held in solitary confinement, and was facing a 25 year prison sentence. Rumours were circulating that he might even by killed, but fortunately Benny was able to escape and was granted political asylum in the UK. Nowadays he is tirelessly advocating for his people travelling throughout the Pacific, Africa, and Europe where support for West Papua is growing steadily.

Benny is particularly looking forward to meeting with the new wave of Maori and Pasifika activists in Aotearoa and meeting with New Zealand members of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua. The International Parliamentarians for West Papua met in May 2016 and resolved to call for an internationally supervised vote on independence in West Papua. The meeting, held in the Houses of Parliament, UK, was attended by MPs from the Pacific region and the UK including Jeremy Corban and Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva the Prime Minister of Tonga

Benny will be holding a number of forums while in New Zealand. He will hold a public forum with West Papua Action Canterbury, 2pm,Sat 27 August, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, Christchurch.

Further information can be found here.