Green Party MPs Marama Davidson and Teanau Tuiono (far right) attend a demonstration at parliament to mark the 59th anniversary of the day West Papuans first raised their nationalist Morning Star flag. 1 December, 2020. Photo: Johnny Blades / RNZ Pacific
Dozens of people demonstrated in support of West Papuan independence, outside New Zealand's parliament today.
The demonstration marked the 59th anniversary of the day West Papuans first raised their nationalist flag, before control of the former Dutch New Guinea was transferred to Indonesia.
The Morning Star flag is now banned in Papua region by Indonesian authorities.
New Zealand Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and several other MPs attended the demo in Wellington.
They spoke to a crowd of over 50, saying denial of Papuans' right to self-determination is a Pacific regional problem.
Papua's 1 December anniversary is marked by similar demonstrations around the world, including in Melbourne, Oxford, Honiara and The Hague.
April Henderson speaks at the annual December 1st Flag Day demonstration in support of West Papuan Independence. 1 December, 2020. Photo: Johnny Blades / RNZ Pacific