West Papuan groups demand concrete timeline for UN human rights visit

Pro-independence groups and activists in West Papua are demanding concrete action from Indonesia regarding a proposed visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. While the Indonesian government maintains that the visit is “on track,” representatives from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) have expressed skepticism, calling for a specific timeline and verifiable arrangements.

The request for an independent UN investigation into alleged human rights abuses has been pending since 2019. Tensions have escalated as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) recently suggested it might review Indonesia’s status as an associate member if the visit is not facilitated. Activists are urging leaders from Fiji and Papua New Guinea to apply increased diplomatic pressure on Jakarta to ensure the visit occurs.