West Papua’s Membership Bid Faces Hurdles

Melanesian Group Faces Pressure to Act

International organizations are urging the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to reconsider the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) status during their September summit in Honiara. This push highlights ongoing calls for greater international involvement and diplomatic efforts in the West Papua region, where human rights concerns persist.

Advocates Seek Elevated Status

The collective, spearheaded by International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP), wants the ULMWP’s membership level raised. High-profile figures like Powes Parkop, the governor of PNG’s National Capital District; Jeremy Corbyn, former UK Labour Party leader; and Catherine Delahunty, a former New Zealand Green Party MP, are also part of this initiative.

The ULMWP currently holds observer status within the MSG, which consists of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS of New Caledonia.

“Upgrading the ULMWP’s membership is “within the remit of the MSG” and requires a consensus among member states.”

—Joint Statement by IPWP and ILWP

The MSG’s goal is to bolster Melanesian cultures, traditions, and values, along with economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, peace, and security, according to the Agreement Establishing the MSG. This is where advocates see an upgrade for the ULMWP as essential.

Indonesia’s Role in the Region

Indonesia’s associate membership in the MSG, granted in 2015, has sparked controversy, particularly for West Papuan self-determination supporters. This inclusion is often viewed as a strategic move by Jakarta, designed to counter growing regional backing for West Papuan independence. The ULMWP and its backers question why Indonesia, as the governing power over West Papua, should have any standing within a forum meant for Melanesian interests.

The nation of Indonesia has recently been listed in the top 10 nations globally for human rights issues by the Human Rights Watch organization (Human Rights Watch, 2024).

Challenges and Criticisms

Papua New Guinea’s stance within the MSG will likely involve careful balancing during the upcoming Honiara summit. Although PNG has raised concerns about human rights in West Papua and has backed calls for a UN Human Rights mission, it also consistently respects Indonesia’s sovereignty over the region. PNG leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, have stressed Indonesia’s responsibility in handling internal affairs in West Papua. They’ve also noted that the ULMWP hasn’t satisfied the MSG’s requirements for full membership.

The IPWP and ILWP have reported that West Papua remains largely isolated from international scrutiny. A strict ban on journalists entering the region means serious human rights abuses often go unreported.

The joint statement also stresses a critical lack of transparency, noting that “very little international oversight” exists. Indonesia has yet to facilitate a human rights mission to West Papua, despite the 2023 MSG leaders’ summit urging the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct this mission before the 2024 summit.

The IPWP/ILWP statement alleges that this continued refusal breaches Indonesia’s obligations as a UN member state.