PNG University students call on United Nations to intervene

The University of Papua New Guinea students are calling on the United Nations and  international community  to help enable the truth to prevail.

On behalf of the students, student representative council president Kenneth Rapa said: “We are aware the Government has crossed a line, which warrants the attention of the international community.”

Rapa said PNG is an independent State that is part of the global community.

“The international community enjoys peace and harmony as a result of mutual observance of some of the fundamental human rights such as those found in our constitution. These fundamental human rights in our Constitution are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

“Government actions on Wednesday amounted to a breach of these rights found under UDHR. PNG is a member of the United Nations; therefore we call on the United Nations and the other member states to intervene because these universal human rights have been violated,” said the SRC president.

“In conclusion, the SRC on behalf of the student body wishes to inform the public that the university students have brought the fight this far. We have sacrificed our education and boycotted classes to address this national issue. After what transpired on Wednesday, 8th of June, 2016, the students are exhausted.

“The issue of returning to class on Tuesday, 14th of June, 2016, as prompted by the UPNG administration, is unrealistic and non-pragmatic because students are traumatised and are still recovering from what transpired on Wednesday.

“Finally, we still maintain our stance for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to step down.”

Press Release