Tveit said the focus of his visit was to listen and support the church in its efforts of being church in a difficult situation. "For the local church this means praying with the people and speaking up for justice through peaceful means."

"The Indonesian government must consider the realities of Papuan people and ensure a secure future for them," said Tveit. He went on to say that "struggles for both justice and peace in Papua reflects the urgency and timeliness of the theme of the World Council of Churches upcoming assembly 'God of life, lead us to peace and justice'". The World Council of Churches assembly will take place in 2013 in Busan, Korea.

There are more than 45 different denominations in West Papua (Tanah Papua). In February, the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches expressed concern over continuing violence and urged a peaceful resolution.

Source

• World Council of Churches
• Image: World Council of Churches

It has issued a statement at its meeting which was held in Geneva , Switzerland, 14-17 February 2012 highlighting what it calls the tragic escalation in tension that again poses a wake-up call to Indonesia and the international community.

It insists that the grievances of the Papuan people must be addressed without further delay.

The statement concludes:

The World Council of Churches:

1. Expresses its deep concern for the deteriorating situation regarding human rights violations in Tanah Papua
2. Requests Indonesian authorities to take necessary steps to release the political prisoners, to lift the ban on peaceful assembly of Papuans and to demilitarize Tanah Papua
3. Urges the Indonesian government to initiate necessary steps to enter into dialogue with indigenous Papuan people and to take adequate measures to protect their rights and to provide them with their basic needs and rights as the oringinal inhabitants of Tanah Papua
4. Urges the Indonesian Government to ensure that the Indonesian armed forces stop the killing and the causing of serious bodily or mental harm to the Papuan people and the abrogation of their human rights
5. Commends the churches and ecumenical partners who are engaged in global advocacy for peace, security and human rights of the Papuans
6. Calls on WCC member churches to provide long term accompaniment and also to be engaged in advocacy on peace and security for all Papuans in their struggle for the right to life and right to dignity
7. Prays for the people and the churches of Tanah Papua as they continue to be engaged in their prophetic witness for peace, reconciliation and hope.

A New Zealand MP, Catherine Delahunty is calling on the government to play a constructive role over dialogue with Indonesia about West Papua.

She is attended this week's launch of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua group in Australia.

She told parliament in Wellington that New Zealand has a proud tradition of standing up for its more vulnerable neighbours.

"And yet we are still silent, still colluding over the issue of West Papua. It is not about attacking an important neighbour like Indonesia. It's not about denying the relationship. It's about saying to Indonesia, yes democracy is developing positively in your country, but something is happening in a dark corner."

Source

• Radio New Zealand International
• World Council of Churches
• Radio New Zealand International
• Image: FaceBook