Scottish Parliament to discuss issue of West Papua self-determination

by lizryder

Following a launch of IPWP in the Scottish Parliament, there will be an
official debate held by MSPs on the issue of West Papua self-determination.

A motion has been put forward by MSP Aileen Campbell which has so far
received the support of 10 MSPs.

A date for the Parliamentary debate will be announced shortly. Full
information at the link below

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/business/motions/Default.aspx?motionid=19907

S3M-07130 Aileen Campbell (South of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Free West Papua— That the Parliament supports the Free West Papua Campaign and its efforts to obtain self-determination for the people of West Papua; expresses its horror at the systematic abuse and torture of West Papuans, as reported by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Dr Manfred Nowak, during his mission to Indonesia in 2008; believes the occupation by Indonesia to be illegal and that the West Papuans’ fundamental right to self-determination under international law has been denied; notes with concern the systematic suppression of human rights and freedom of expression in West Papua that was highlighted by Amnesty International, and in particular, the case of Yusak Pakage and Filep Karma, who have been jailed for 10 and 15 years respectively for, Amnesty International claimed, peacefully raising the West Papuan independence flag; welcomes the UK Government’s recognition in 2004 that hand-picked West Papuan representatives were coerced by the Indonesian state into voting for the 1969 Act of Free Choice; hopes that elected representatives from around the world will join respected figures, such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in supporting the right of the people of West Papua to self-determination; expresses solidarity with the recent demonstrations that took place in West Papua, and recognises West Papuans’ appreciation of the support for West Papua from the Parliament during such hostile conditions.

Supported by: Linda Fabiani, Dr Alasdair Allan, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Robin Harper, Joe FitzPatrick, Gil Paterson, Malcolm Chisholm, Jamie Hepburn

Lodged on Friday, October 01, 2010; Current