Siteri Sauvakacolo
SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): About 1000 signatures supporting West Papuan self-determination have been collected by the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA).
This is in solidarity with the West Papua people who have applied to officially join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
ECREA director Sirino Rakabi said while petitions had been sent to all their networks and friends, forms had also been distributed to all the 56 divisions of the Methodist Church.
"We have received news from our civil society organisation network that many people throughout Fiji are supporting and signing the petition," Rakabi said.
"We have disseminated forms already and have emailed soft copies to those that requested online.
"This week, we will be disseminating petitions with the DVDs covering the march and launch of the 'Fiji Solidarity Movement for West Papua's Freedom' to all Christian denomination headquarters, theological and Bible schools and also to NGOs in our network.
"We are also working on a documentary to be circulated virally for people to be aware of the oppression and injustices happening in West Papua."
ECREA hopes to submit these petitions in May to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Last Friday, ECREA staged its first public awareness march on the West Papua campaign to coincide with World Social Justice Day.
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Pacific Media Watch
