Letter from Benny Wenda, Chair of DeMMaK (The Koteka Tribal Assembly) and International Lobbyist in the UK for a Free W

Submitted by FdN on Sun, 04/06/2008 - 19:20
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Mr. António Guterres
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Case Postale 2500
CH-1211
Genève 2 Dépôt
Switzerland

1st June 2006

Dear High Commissioner

I am a tribal leader from West Papua, and an international lobbyist on behalf of my country. Further to my letter of April 06, I am writing to you to express my continuing concern about the plight of my people, and to urge you to do all you can to help them.
As you know, many West Papuans are forced to flee their homes as a result of violence and intimidation from the Indonesian authorities. Many cross the border to seek sanctuary in neighbouring Papua New Guinea, but many also remain within Papua, hiding out in the jungle.

I understand that the Indonesians have barred you from entering West Papua, and that you cannot provide direct help to these internally displaced people. However, I would urge you to continue to apply pressure to Indonesia to allow access, and also to do your utmost to investigate the situation in West Papua by interviewing people who are crossing the border in to PNG.

Secondly, I am concerned about reports that Indonesian intelligence and security services are crossing the border in to PNG. This is very worrying, as their presence seriously jeopardises the safety of West Papuan refugees. Please do all you can to monitor and control this situation, and ensure that the refugees who have already suffered so much do not have to live in fear again.

As a refugee myself, and a leader of my people, I feel very deeply for all those who have escaped to Papuan New Guinea and are attempting to rebuild their lives. I call on you to do everything you can to protect and help them.

Yours sincerely

Benny Wenda

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