Fiji Women's Crisis Centre hosted a gathering to remember the women and girls of West Papua in Suva this morning.

Speaking at gathering, FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali said it was important to remember the suffering of the people of West Papua.

"As we marked International Women's day on March 8, we thought we should not forget the women and girls of West Papua because whether they are allowed to with martial law now to be able to demonstrate, to be able to talk about, to enjoy International women's day, we are sure they cannot do that," she said.

Ms Ali said it was a critical to continue making a stand against violence inflicted on the people of West Papua by the Indonesia Defense Force.

"We are fully aware of the suffering and human rights violations caused by Indonesia State policies that have left the West Papua people desperate for self-determination and Papuan women even worse off.

"As Pacific Islanders, we should not be quiet about this issue."

Source: https://www.fijitimes.com/ali-pacific-islanders-should-not-be-quiet-about-west-papua