Despite earlier pledging support for West Papuan independence, Pacific leaders bloc agrees not to interfere in Indonesia’s affairs

Marni Cordell | The Guardian

A protest outside a hotel in Jakarta where Pacific island leaders were staying before meeting with the Indonesian president. Photograph: Oktovianus Pogau/The Guardian

From the Solomon Star

The chairperson of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association believes Indonesia is trying to divide members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and weaken their stance on West Papua.

From Radio Australia / PACNEWS

Vanuatu has defended a boycott of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) foreign minister's mission to Indonesia.

From Joey Tau writing on PNG Edge

The suspicious death of a rebel leader is the latest in a long line of alleged human rights abuses.

By Gemima Harvey in The Diplomat

From Jakarta Post

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to receive foreign ministers from Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member nations at the State Palace on Wednesday, in a move seen by many as part of the government’s attempt to woo the group, which has often voiced concerns over alleged human rights abuses in Papua.

From PNG Exposed

The complete SABL Commission of Inquiry reports from Commissioners John Numapo and Nicholas Mirou can be downloaded here:

Campaign Coordinator

ACT NOW! is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic campaigner for an exciting new position based in Port Moresby.

ACT NOW! is a leading community advocacy organisation that uses the internet to advocate for a better future for all Papua New Guineans.

The Campaign Coordinator will lead the implementation of campaign plans and supervise a small team of staff and volunteers.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a passion for achieving change.

Last month the courts finally lifted an injunction preventing the publication of the damning Commission of Inquiry report into corruption in the Department of Finance (the so-called "Paraka Scams').

The Commission spent several years investigating allegations of widespread corruption but in 2010, the day after its report was tabled in parliament, lawyer Paul Paraka and former Solicitor General Zachary Gelu obtained a court injunction preventing its publication.

After more than three years, that injunction has finally been lifted.

In September 2013 Prime Minister Peter O'Neill presented to Parliament the reports from two of the three Commissioners appointed to investigated the SABL land grab.

The reports revealed a web of deceit, mismanagement and corruption surrounding the allocation of SABL leases to foreign companies which, in many cases, the companies are using as cover for illegal logging operations.