West Papuans seeking refuge in Papua New Guinea are to be forcibly removed from their homes and sent back to certain torture or death. The below is a couple of newsarticles from Australia.

For more background on the Indonesian occupation and mass murder of the West Papuan people (approx. 300,000 since late 1960's), and the corporate mercenary deathmarch and scramble for resources in the area, see the Friends of People Close To Nature site at www.fpcn-global.org


Postcourier - 6 Mar 03



Church criticises return

THE Catholic Church in Vanimo has criticised the Governmentís
decision to send back 400 border-crossers who fled Indonesiaís Papua
Province in 2000.

The church, which has been caring for the border-crossers, said the
decision breached the human rights of the Papuans who fear for their
lives if they return to Indonesian rule.

The Papua New Guinea Government has issued an order for the
border-crossers to voluntarily go back to Indonesia by March 13 or face
deportation.

Father Tomi Thomas, from the Vanimo Diocese, said the border-crossers
had already indicated they would not return voluntarily.

He said: ìFrom the time they arrived until this day, the emphasis is
that they are fearing for their lives and so they will never go back
until independence is granted.

ìWe always will stand for human rights because Papua New Guinea is a
signatory to the convention on human rights.î

Fr Thomas said six Papuan families had been granted refugee status.

Earlier this year, the Papua New Guinea Government told
pro-independence Papuan rebels to go back to Indonesia or face
deportation

=========================

Indons back refugee move

THE Indonesian Government yesterday guaranteed the safety of
the return of their citizens who have volunteered to return home.

Welcoming the decision of the Papua New Guinean Government to
repatriate 96 families,Indonesian Ambassador Johannes Djopari said his
government would facilitate the return of the border crossers and
assure them their security.

The 96 families made up of about 272 persons are currently residing at
the Warakongkong settlement on the outskirts of Vanimo town.

He said the repatriation would begin on March 13, using sea transport
to be provided by the Indonesian Government.

Mr Djopari said both governments had agreed that the presence of
Indonesian nationals in PNG had been a border crossing problem and not
a refugee problem.

ìThe Indonesian Government highly appreciates the approach taken by
the Government of PNG that continuously promotes good co-operation in
the management of bilateral relations between the two countries,î Mr
Djopari said.

He said his government also appreciated the consistent stand taken by
the Government of PNG that supported the territorial integrity and
national unity of Indonesia.

================