Stories by Johnny Blades
News
Detainee details 'degrading' conditions on Manus
A refugee forcibly transferred by Australia to the offshore processing centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea offers a unique insight into what life is like after three years of incarceration.
Positive vote for PNG PM unlikely to end unrest
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea has resoundingly survived a motion of no-confidence against him, but this outcome is unlikely to end months of political upheaval.
Gloves come off as Jakarta confronts Papua rights
Indonesia's campaign to contain issues of West Papua has entered a new phase.
International surge on West Papua amid mass demos
More mass demonstrations are expected in Indonesia's Papua region amid growing international interest in West Papuan self-determination aspirations.
Australia's rights record problematic for the Pacific
ANALYSIS: This week's Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruling has underlined how Australia's adherence to human rights norms is regressing and causing problems in the Pacific.
Fraud case divides PNG police force
A glaring division has opened up in Papua New Guinea's police force amid fallout over a major fraud case implicating the prime minister.
Game changers: Pacific RSE workers in NZ
Pacific Islanders participating in New Zealand's RSE scheme say the work is of great benefit to them and their home communities. Video
Refugees in limbo in PNG
There are questions over the Papua New Guinea government's claims about resettlement of refugees held on Manus Island. Audio
Refugee policy taints Australia's reputation - NGO
Australia's human rights reputation has taken another blow, with a damning critique of the government's refugee policies by a leading international rights NGO.
Line between PNG and Indonesia increasingly blurred
Papua New Guinea communities along the border with Indonesia say growing links with the other side are inevitable.
Meet the Host: PNG takes on Forum Chair
Keep calm and carry on. If ever there was a man for this motto, it's Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill.
Child trauma mars Australia's refugee policy
Prospects for refugees processed on Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea look bleaker than ever. These are the so-called "boat people" who fled from countries like Afghanistan, Iran... Audio
Geopolitical storm looms over MSG decision
A geopolitical storm is coming to a head in the Melanesian Spearhead Group as it considers a membership bid by West Papuans of Indonesia.
Mood for provincial autonomy grows in PNG
The mood for more autonomy is growing among Papua New Guinea's provinces amid the country's continued development struggles. Audio
Pacific aid donors grapple with China's rise and influence
The traditional external powers in the Pacific Islands are still coming to terms with China's increasing level of engagement with the region.
PNG govt clarifies West Papua call
Papua New Guinea focusses on Papuan human rights but also continues to support the provinces as an integral part of Indonesia.
Indonesia's 'shock therapy' for illegal fishing
Indonesia is taking a hardline approach to illegal fishing by foreigners in its waters amid a new emphasis on protecting marine resources in the Western Pacific.