The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR), in partnership with solidarity networks, welcomes the recent reappointment of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). With his extensive experience as a seasoned statesman in the Pacific, we hope that this second chapter will chart a different course, one rooted in genuine commitment to uphold justice, stability and security for all our Melanesian brothers and sisters in Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua.

The theme “A peaceful and prosperous Melanesia” serves as a reminder that even after several decades of regional bilaterals, our Melanesian leaders have made little to no progress in fulfilling its purpose in the region – to support the independence and sovereignty of all Melanesians. Fiji, as incoming Chair, inherits the unfinished work of the MSG. As rightly stated by the late great Father Walter Lini, “We will not be free until all of Melanesia is free.”

The challenges for Fiji’s Chair to meet the goals of the MSG are complex and made more complicated by the inclusion of Indonesia as an Associate Member in 2015. Indonesia plays an active role in the ongoing repression of West Papuans in their desire for independence. Their Associate Member status provides a particular obstacle for Fiji as Chair in furthering the self-determination goals of the MSG.

Complicating matters further is the asymmetry in the relationship between Indonesia and the rest of the MSG Members. As a donor government and emerging economic power, Indonesia’s “chequebook and cultural diplomacy” continues to wield significant influence across the region. Its status as an associate member of the MSG raises serious concerns about whether it is appropriate, as this pathway risks further marginalising the voices of our West Papuan sisters and brothers. Which defeats the whole purpose of the MSG: “Excelling together towards a progressive and prosperous Melanesia”.

We acknowledge our leader’s longstanding commitment to the people of Kanaky-New Caledonia. A relationship and shared journey that was forged since 1989. The recent events of May 2024 serve as a stark reminder that much work remains to be done to realise the full aspirations of the Kanak people.

As the Pacific awaits a hopeful and favourable outcome report from the Troika Plus mission to Kanaky-New Caledonia. We trust that with your new role as the chair of MSG, and expertise will continue to carry forward the voices, struggles, dreams and enduring aspirations of the people of Kanaky-New Caledonia.

With these concerns, we call on Prime Minister Rabuka as the new chair for MSG to:

Ensure the core founding values, and mission of the MSG are upheld.
Re-evaluate Indonesia’s appropriateness as an associate member of the MSG.
Elevate the discussions on West Papua and Kanaky-New Caledonia at the MSG level and through discussions at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.

-ENDS

Members of the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights are Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (Chair), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens’ Constitutional Forum, femLINKpacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program, and Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality Fiji. Additionally, Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) is an observer.

For more information or questions reach out to NGOCHR Chair Shamima Ali: fwcc.shamima@gmail.com