This is not only unfair, but it also has serious consequences for both the individual girls and society as a whole.įirst and foremost, education is crucial for the personal development and empowerment of girls. Yet, unfortunately, around the world, girls are often denied access to education and are instead expected to fulfill traditional gender roles, such as taking care of the household and children. Indonesian security forces previously said they would refrain from any action that could endanger Mehrtens’ life but launched a military search operation for the pilot that resulted in clashes.Education is a fundamental right for every human being, and this includes the girl child. They have not disclosed Mehrtens’ location. “Therefore, Indonesian President Joko Widodo must stop military operations in Ndugama immediately – if not (it will) endanger the life of the New Zealand pilot.”įighting and unrest continue to escalate in the impoverished but resource-rich region of Papua, where the Indonesian military maintains a heavy and controversial presence.ĭesignated as a terrorist group by the Indonesian government, TPNPB has periodically released updates about Mehrtens – who was captured by fighters in February after landing a commercial Susi Air charter flight at Paro Airport. “We emphasize that the pilot’s release must go through negotiations – not through military operations,” the group’s spokesperson Sebby Sambom said. In a statement accompanying the video, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) called on the New Zealand government to mediate and initiate negotiations for Mehrtens’ release and urged Indonesian authorities to stop its military operations in Papua. Rebels holding New Zealand pilot hostage claim they've killed at least 13 Indonesian soldiers HANDOUT/The West Papua National Liberation Army/Reuters New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens seen in an image released on February 14 by separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region. “Please, there is no need, it is dangerous for me and everybody here. “Indonesia’s been dropping bombs in the area over the last week,” Mehrtens said. He then called on the Indonesian authorities to stop ongoing airstrikes in the Nduga Regency where he is being held, saying the attacks could put his life as well as others at risk. “I live with the people here – we travel together as required, we sit together, we rest together.” I have been eating well, drinking,” he continued. “As you can see I’m still alive – I am healthy. “Good afternoon, today is Monday the 24th of April, 2023 – it’s almost three months since they (separatist fighters) kidnapped me from Paro,” Mehrtens said. In the one and a half minute video, Mehrtens, dressed in a black T-shirt and shorts and sitting between two unarmed Papuan men, speaks calmly to the camera first in Indonesian and then English. Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot held hostage by separatist fighters in Indonesia’s restive Papua region, has appeared in a video saying he is “alive and well,” as concerns grow for his safety as fighting with Indonesian security forces intensifies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |