City Councillors took part in a protest on the steps of Oxford Town Hall to pledge their support for West Papuans fighting for freedom from Indonesian occupation.

The Oxford-based Free West Papua Campaign is calling for a referendum on the country's future.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Richard Harries, Oxford East MP, Andrew Smith, Oxford West & Abingdon MP, Dr Evan Harris and Euro MEP Caroline Lucas are among the high-profile supporters of the campaign.

The demonstration was led by West Papuan tribal leader, Benny Wenda.

Oxford Times (UK) - October 7, 2005

The plight of the people of West Papua was brought to Oxford's attention when city councillors from three political parties united to stage an international human rights protest.

Councillors from the Greens, Labour and Liberal Democrats gathered on the steps of the Town Hall to call for international action to protect the people of the Indonesian occupied country.

They were joined by West Papua tribal leader Benny Wenda, who lives in Oxford.

The people of West Papua have suffered human rights abuses at the hands of the Indonesian army, which has occupied their country since Indonesia invaded it 40 years ago.