Women in West Papua are victims of violence and aggression on two fronts. They are often the targets of the Indonesian government that annexed their territory. They are also beaten and raped at home by their own family members. A study coming out of Sydney University describes the condition of women in West Papua as "slow-motion genocide."
But the situation is not entirely hopeless, not if you voice your concern today. A number of women activists are calling for an independent investigation of violence against women in Indonesia's Papua region.
Please join me in asking Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio to authorize a full investigation into violence against women in Papua and take action to protect women through changes in law and law enforcement.
Dear Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio:
It is distressing, to say the least, to hear that the condition of women in West Papua can be described as "slow-motion genocide." It appears that these women are victims on two fronts. They are often the targets of the Indonesian government that regards them as annexed, second-class citizens. They are also unprotected from rape and beatings at home, at the hands of their own family members. Please launch a full investigation into violence against women in Papua and take action to protect women through changes in law and law enforcement.
