Wale calls for UN human rights visit to West Papua

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has expressed concerns over reported human rights violations in West Papua during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking during discussions on decolonization, Wale described the people of West Papua as “our Melanesian brothers and sisters.

He said the reports of human rights abuses had continued for far too long and must be independently verified.

At the same time, Wale reaffirmed Solomon Islands reapect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as friendship with the Indonesian Government and people.

The Solomon Islands PM also renewed the call by Pacific Islands Forum leaders for Indonesia to facilitate the long-awaited visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.

Wale said allowing the visit would demonstrate confidence between friends and provide an opportunity for concerns about the situation in West Papua to be independently assessed.

Meantime, PNG’s position on West Papua has not been publicly stated this week, but Prime Minister James Marape remains one of two Pacific Islands Forum Special Envoy tasked with engaging Indonesia on the issue , alongside Fiji's Sitiveni Rabuka.

The Melanesia Spearhead Group has set a deadline of 31st December , 2026 for the visit to occur.

The leaders warn it will review Indonesia’s associate member status at its 2027 summit , if access is not granted.