Use your freedom so that others can have theirs too.
Stand up and make your voice heard, before its too late. Visit www.freewestpapua.org

The publication of deeply disturbing images showing the aftermath of an Indonesian military ’sweeping operation’ in the village of Bolkame, close to the West Papuan highland town of Wamena, should serve as a warning to the international community of Indonesia’s intent to continue their drive to wipe out the Papuan population.

In the latest episode, 25 houses were burnt to the ground, Indonesian troops opened gunfire on elderly, precious livestock were killed, and women raped in front of their children. Those that fled remain in hiding in the jungle without so much as a blanket to keep warm.
Little wonder the Indonesian authorities were so keen to expel the International Committee of the Red Cross recently. Worrying times indeed. Let us hope that the UN are watching developments.

The Papuan people have suffered for too long under Indonesian occupation. On the tenth anniversary of East Timor, it’s time that the international community helped this other troubled region. Lack of action will have devastating consequences for humanity. The West Papuan people should be granted the right they have always been denied – self determination. Then they can finally be free to democratically choose their own future. No one can deny them that right.

On the 40th anniversary of the Act of Free Choice, a shocking new documentary about the situation in West Papua will premier at the UK’s prestigious Green Man Festival next week.

Filmed undercover without the knowledge or authority of the Indonesian authorities, ‘Forgotten Bird of Paradise’ provides a rare and deeply moving insight into the West Papuan peoples ongoing struggle for freedom from Indonesian rule.

The documentary features interviews with human rights victims of the Indonesian regime, startling footage of OPM rebel fighters, and a moving interview recorded in secret with the Amnesty International recognised ‘prisoner of conscience’ Yusak Pakage. Currently serving a 10 year prison sentence for peacefully raising the West Papuan flag, the interview was recorded in hospital where he was receiving treatment for torture suffered at the hands of prison guards at Abepura Prison. There is also footage and interviews from the launch of International Parliamentarians for West Papua, revealing the developments being made on the international scene towards the goal of West Papuan self-determination.

Speaking on the eve of the film’s launch, exiled independence leader Benny Wenda gave this statement:
“For over 45 years the Indonesian Government have attempted to silence my people. They have raped, tortured, intimidated, and committed genocide against my people and our land. But they will never destroy our Melanesian spirit. ‘Forgotten Bird of Paradise’ is our cry to the outside world that we need their help now. Our cries are also directed at the United Nations to intervene now to help stop the bloodshed, and re-run the Act of Free Choice so that we can finally choose our own future. Our struggle will never stop until we are given that right”

More information on the documentary including background information and photos can be found at www.forgottenbirdofparadise.net