Pacific women are calling for an independent mission to investigate violence against women in Indonesia's Papua region.
West Papuan human rights activist Rode Wanimbo address the 7th Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women, while Bernadetha Mahuse looks on. Photo: Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women
The call comes from the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women which represents policy makers and front line workers from 13 Pacific countries.
Representatives of women from West Papua attended the networks 7th meeting in Fiji last week and raised some critical issues and gaps in service delivery for victims of gender violence in West Papua.
West Papuan human rights activists Rode Wanimbo (centre with headdress), Bernadetha Mahuse (second from right) and Ivana Yohana (right) seen with Merilyn Tahi (left, Vanuatu), Shamima Ali (second from left, Fiji) and Ofa Likiliki (Tonga). Photo: Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women
The director of Tonga's Women and Children Crisis Centre, Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki said the network stands in solidarity with women from West Papua.
"Members of the network in the outcomes resolution are calling for a fact-finding mission to be undertaken in West Papua to look into the status of women and girls and the impact of the conflict and political tensions on women and girls as a result, " said Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki.
