Irish West Papua campaign intensifies
international |
miscellaneous |
feature 
Wednesday March 19, 2003 18:17
by IMC Editorial Group - IMC Ireland
Whilst doing their bit for the global antiwar movement, the Irish West Papua campaigns are stepping up a gear for justice in forgotten West Papua.
West Papua, rich in resources like Iraq, has been the victim of colonial greed for decades. First occupied by the Dutch, it was then invaded by the Indonesians in 60s as the UN watched on. Western consumerism's material demand has encouraged global mining giants such as BP and Freeport McMoran to exploit the country's resources, causing widespread human rights and environmental abuses. The U.S has also renewed funding to the Indonesian military despite the horrors of East Timor.
A recent Dail debate saw the Greens spokesperson for foreign affairs, John Gormley challenge the government's position on the discredited UN Act of Free Choice, which legitimised Indonesia's invasion. Up to 300,000 (approx 20%) have since died. The Minister, Mr Cowan claimed that there is no significant international support for reviewing the act.
However Irish activists intend to step up their pressure on the government and will continue to expose the human rights, corporate, environmental and cultural abuses in West Papua. This weekend will see Papuan tribesman Sem Karoba lead the One Big Tribe festival in Maynooth which seeks to raise awareness and encourage action for Papuan and global justice.
Also in attendance will be The Hothouse Flowers, Sampari Papuan dancers and speakers from the Catholic Worker movement and other activist groups.
One Big Tribe festival
West Papua Support Group
West Papua Action
Friends of People Close to Nature
New Internationalist - West Papua edition