The Fiji NGO Coalition on human rights, and its solidarity partners took to the streets this morning in Suva, Fiji, peacefully calling for support from pacific leaders for freedom, decolonisation and human rights in Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua.
The peaceful protest comes after recent events in Kanaky New Caledonia resulting in lives lost, heavy build-up of French police and paramilitary forces, and the ongoing human rights abuses and violations to West Papua by Indonesia.
“As France commemorates Bastille Day this 14th of July and celebrates their own principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, its own action in the Pacific contradicts the national day,” said Rosa Moiwend of the Pacific Network on Globalisation.
“France colonisation of Pacific territories and its continued acts of suppression in Maohi Niu and Kanaky New Caledonia are quite the opposite of what the French revolution achieved. Today, they are symbolic of the Bastille and the monarchy oppressing and abusing the people and denying their right to self-determination in their own lands,” said Moiwend.
The May riots and unrest in Kanaky New Caledonia has seen over 3000 security personnel deployed from France. At best, this is based on the severely misguided notion that the challenges of the decolonisation process can be resolved by force.
However, it is becoming clearer that the restoration of order and peace is just a disguise for France’s true objectives, and that is a deliberate retrenchment and extension of colonial control.
Close to two months after the outbreak of violence, tensions remain high and there is serious concern about the continuing restrictions on Kanaks.
Moreover, there have been reported atrocities and police brutality against Kanaky youth, and French authorities have even extradited a number of indigenous Kanak activists to prisons in France.
“French President Emmanuel Macron must be responsible for the current state of Kanaky New Caledonia. Blaming Kanak leaders and having them arrested and detained in France is a coverup and tactic to assert power. We call on President Macron to release the 6 Kanak leaders and allow them legal representation.”
Olivia Baro from the Pacific Conference of Churches added that the issue of West Papua and the ongoing human rights abuse must not be forgotten, and Indonesia must be held responsible.
Indonesia’s ongoing influence of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum has continued to silence the voices of West Papuans. As Pacific peoples, we will continue to stand in solidarity with West Papua and their right to self-determination.
“As we commemorate the Biak massacre this month and remember the many lives lost in West Papua, the continuous suppression of West Papua by Indonesia is a similar struggle to Kanaky New Caledonia, Palestine and many human rights struggles globally,” said Baro.
Despite restrictions set by authorities to not have Palestine flags and banners at today’s march, the coalition stands in solidarity with our brothers, sisters and families in Palestine.
The Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji and their allies have been hosting vigils at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre compound for Palestine, West Papua and Kanaky every Thursday over the last eight months, calling on the Fiji Government and Pacific leaders to support the ceasefire in Gaza, and protect the rights of Palestinians, West Papuans and Kanaks.
“The struggles of Palestinians are no different to West Papua, Kanaky New Caledonia, these are struggles of self-determination, and their human rights must be upheld,” said FWCC Coordinator and NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali.
