indigenous rights – Papua Merdeka News

RadioNZ – Fiji’s opposition SODELPA party has called for the resignation of the Fijian ambassador to the United Nations, Nazhat Shameem, after she described the past protections of the rights of indigenous Fijians as institutionalised racism.

Ambassador Shameem’s comments were part of an address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on the 1st of March.

In her comments she said, “Racism was institutionalised in Fiji to such an extent that it instilled a ‘privileged caste’.”

“Rights of the majority in a democracy whether indigenous or not must not be used to suppress the rights of the minority and vulnerable communities,” she also said.

The SODELPA vice president, MP Ro Kiniviliame Kiliraki says Ambassador Shameem’s comments were misguided and smacked of prejudice.

He said they amounted to a deliberate misunderstanding of the grievances of the indigenous community in Fiji and were contrary to international law on the rights of indigenous peoples.

“She should retract that statement. In fact we are calling for her resignation. It is out of line as far as Fiji is concerned. It is an insult to the indigenous people. And at that level, she shouldn’t be there.”

RadioNZ – More than 1000 West Papuan refugees from Indonesia living in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province will be granted citizenship.

Rainbow settlement in Port moresby, Papua New Guinea, where West Papuan refugees have squatted for years. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

The Post Courier reported that the immigration minister, Rimbink Pato, was due to make an official announcement soon.

The refugees were due to be granted their certificates two weeks ago, but this was delayed after the chair of Citizenship Advisory Committee, Bob Dadae, was appointed Governor General.

There are estimated to be about 10,000 West Papuan refugees living in PNG, and the newspaper reports that the government was also working to grant citizenship to others in Port Moresby and other areas.