ILWP Statement in advance of West Papua's independence day commemorations

International Lawyers for West Papua

Statement in advance of 1 December commemorations in West Papua

This Thursday, 1 December 2011, marks the 50th anniversary of West Papua’s declaration of independence from the Dutch and the first raising of the West Papuan ‘Morning Star’ flag. Rather than celebrating 50 years of independence, West Papuans will be protesting their continued occupation by Indonesia. Thousands of West Papuans will take to the streets to engage in peaceful protests and flag raising ceremonies to commemorate the events of 1 December 1961 and to call for Indonesia and the international community to respect their right to self-determination under international law.