Embrace inclusivity, reject exclusivity
WHEN the Pacific Islands Development Forum ejected West Papuan activist Octavianus Mote from its summit in Suva, Fiji, it missed an opportunity to show it was an inclusive regional organisation.
Instead of taking an approach which would signal a rethinking of international détente, it chose to be a regional bully, an exclusive club.
It is now no different to the governments or organisations of which its membership has been so critical. When the Pacific Islands Development Forum became – the world’s newest international organisation – it did so with much fanfare.
Proponents of the organisation claimed that it would differ from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in two key areas: n It would not be swayed by external players (particularly Australia and New Zealand).
It would take an inclusive approach when dealing with its members.
At its summit in September, the PIDF was put to the test and failed dismally.
The Solomon Islands Government delegation included Mote – an activist for West Papuan self-determination who lives in exile in the United States after his life was threatened by Indonesian security forces.
This is a practice accepted by governments throughout the world and at international meetings including COP 20 in Lima, Peru.
Indeed, the Fiji Government has regularly used non-government organisation staff at such meetings to provide expert technical advice to official delegates. In Suva, the Fijian Government objected to Mote’s presence and Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was sent to seek the removal of the activist.
Mote complied to ensure there would be no damage to Fiji-Solomon Islands bilateral relations.
There can be no doubt that Mote’s removal was instigated by Indonesia which put pressure on the PIDF chair. By bowing to Indonesian influence, the PIDF chair allowed the organisation to become a puppet of those who hold its purse strings.
…..to read more buy your personal copy at