Dear Rt Hon Andrew Smith MP and All Members of IPWP Around the World.

First we want to thank you on behalf of the people of West Papua for your support of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua. This is a very significant step on the road to justice and freedom in West Papua. This is the first time the people's voices in West Papua have been heard at this level and as a result spontaneous demonstrations broke out across West Papua celebrating the formation of the group.

We are however sad to have to inform you of the deteriorating human rights situation in West Papua over the last six months and we hope you will be able to help us in bringing attention to this issue.

As a result of the demonstrations in support of the launch of the IPWP, two students have been arrested and mistreated. One of them, Bucthar Tabuni has just been sentenced to three years in prison. Fifteen people are being detained and face possible life sentences for demonstrating in support of the launch of the International Lawyers for West Papua. We are currently aware of over fifty political prisoners being held across West Papua for voicing their opinions in support of West Papuan independence and attending peaceful demonstrations. A recent Human Rights Watch report has raised serious concerns about the systematic torture of prisoners. To add to this, the Indonesian military are currently carrying out sweeping operations in the highlands, burning houses, raping and displacing people into the jungle. Attached is a document summarising the current situation with links to further information.