MSG Presses UN Human Rights Council to Advance Long-Standing Call for West Papua Visit

Geneva| 25 July 2026: The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has formally presented Pacific and MSG leaders' call for a United Nations human rights mission to West Papua and Indonesia's Papuan provinces during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva.

The presentation sought to advance a long-standing request by Pacific leaders for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the region. The call was first endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum leaders in 2019, reaffirmed by MSG leaders at their 2023 summit in Port Vila, and repeated by both the Pacific Islands Forum and MSG during leaders' meetings in 2025.

EMRIP is an advisory body of the UN Human Rights Council that provides expert guidance on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Acting Director General Ilan Kiloe said the Geneva engagement marked an important step in implementing decisions made by Pacific and Melanesian leaders.

"It is a small but significant step towards the implementation of the leaders' decision to advance the voices of Melanesian peoples on the international stage and demonstrates the organisation's strong commitment to promoting justice, human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples," Kiloe said.

He added that the Secretariat would continue building on its advocacy for Indigenous rights following its engagement in the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion process on states' obligations relating to climate change.

During the Geneva mission, the MSG delegation also held meetings with senior UN officials and experts, including representatives of EMRIP, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), UN treaty bodies, the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and the UN Youth Office.

The visit concluded with a briefing for MSG ambassadors and permanent representatives to the United Nations in Geneva, hosted by Vanuatu's Ambassador, Sylvain Kalsakau, at the Pacific Islands Forum Permanent Mission.

Indonesia maintains that Papua is an integral part of the country and has consistently stated that it is committed to development and protecting the rights of all its citizens. Calls by Pacific leaders for a UN human rights visit remain under discussion within UN human rights mechanisms.

: Acting Director General Ilan Kiloe, MSG Secretariat team, and MSG Ambassadors during the Geneva briefing hosted at the PIF Permanent Mission. MSG Secretariat

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SMT – Newly appointed Director General Welcomed by the MSG Secretariat Staff

MEDIA RELEASE 📣

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat is pleased to formally welcome its newly appointed Director General, Dr. Anna Naupa, as she assumes her official duties today, 27 July 2026, at the MSG Secretariat headquarters in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

It marks an important moment for the Secretariat and for the wider Melanesian family, as the organisation continues to advance the shared priorities of its Member Countries and uphold the founding values of Melanesian solidarity, cooperation, respect, and collective progress.

This historic appointment also marks Dr. Naupa as the first female and first ni-Vanuatu Director General of the MSG Secretariat, an achievement that carries profound significance and offers renewed hope and inspiration to women and girls across Melanesia.

Mr. Ilan Kiloe, who served as Acting Director General during the transition period, extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Naupa and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s full support for her leadership.

“The Secretariat looks forward to working under Dr. Naupa’s leadership as we continue to advance the shared priorities of our Member Countries and strengthen Melanesian solidarity,” said Mr. Kiloe.

As the Secretariat enters this new chapter, it reaffirms its commitment to teamwork, transparency, and transformative action across the foundational pillars of political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

In assuming office during Vanuatu’s independence anniversary period, Dr. Naupa acknowledged the enduring wisdom, strength, and courage of the region’s founding leaders, whose vision continues to guide the collective aspirations of Melanesia.

Dr. Naupa also reflected on her personal connection to Vanuatu’s national journey, recalling the public service of her late father, who served as Minister of Health and Minister of Public Works, and the contribution of her mother as an educator/Teacher at Malapoa College, where many of Vanuatu’s contemporary leaders were shaped.

Outlining her immediate strategic priorities, Dr. Naupa emphasized her commitment to strengthening the Secretariat’s Corporate Services, Political, and Trade programmes to better serve the MSG membership and support the implementation of Leaders’ decisions.

The MSG Secretariat extends its highest regards to Dr. Naupa and wishes her every success as she undertakes this esteemed role at the helm of the organisation.

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Rabuka stands by MSG appointment

Local News, News, Uncategorized | Published: 7 hours ago | Last Updated: 7 hours ago | By NACANIELI TUILEVUKA

Anna Naupa, left has been appointed as the new Melanesian Spearhead Group director-general. She becomes the first female to be appointed to the role since the sub-regional group was established in 1986.Photo credit:Facebook / Ministry of the Prime Minister – Vanuatu

THE appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as the new Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) director-general was made through an independent selection process.

These were the words of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who said she was the best applicant.

Mr Rabuka made the comments in response to criticism from Vanuatu chiefs who said the regional position should have been held by a man rather than a woman.

He told this newspaper the recruitment process was merit-based.

“She came out as the preferred candidate. In fact, she came out top of the list,” he said.

Asked whether the comments from Vanuatu could create instability within the MSG, Mr Rabuka declined to comment on the country’s position.

“I will not speak on what Vanuatu has said and their views on that particular issue. But in general, we pick the best candidate, and we’re still going with our gender-positive policies.

“We have to be considerate. I know culturally the Melanesians are new to the culture of gender equality, but it’s something that we have to grasp and go with.”

Dr Naupa became the first woman to be appointed director-general of the MSG Secretariat following a regional recruitment process involving all MSG member countries.

Chiefs demand PM Napat resign over Nakamal name

Paramount chiefs representing five of Vanuatu’s six provinces have called on Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat to resign before July 30, 2026, over the use of cultural names in foreign agreements.

The chiefs have also called on the Governments of Vanuatu and Australia to remove the name Nakamal from the agreement and replace it with another name.

The call follows criticism from traditional leaders over the Government’s use of cultural names and identities in bilateral agreements with Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking on behalf of kastom chiefs from SHEFA, MALAMPA, PENAMA, SANMA and TORBA provinces, Paramount Chief Bong Meleun Tempes of Ambrym and Chairman of the Lolehor Council of Chiefs accused the Government of using sacred cultural symbols without proper consultation.

The Nakamal Agreement refers to the bilateral agreement signed between PM Napat and Australian PM Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 29, 2026.

The Namele Agreement refers to a development cooperation agreement being negotiated with the People’s Republic of China.

Chief Tempes, serving as spokesperson for the kastom leaders, questioned the use of these names in foreign agreements, saying neither the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs nor the respective Island Councils of Chiefs were consulted.

“The Government has no right to decide how our custom identities are used. Our custom identity is not a commodity.

It is the soul of our people, the heritage of our ancestors and the promise we hold for future generations. To sell it cheaply in agreements with foreign powers is to betray the very essence of Vanuatu,” Chief Tempes said.

The chiefs said customary culture and Christian principles form part of the foundations of Vanuatu’s identity under the National Constitution.

They argue that cultural identities should be protected and not used as political tools.

Chief Tempes criticised PM Napat, a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tanna Constituency, saying politicians do not own kastom.

“This is not a minor oversight. It is a direct affront to the guardians of our culture. Yet the Government now treats these sacred identities as bargaining chips in foreign diplomacy. Any Prime Minister or government of the day must respect chiefs and the Constitution. Stop trading culture for diplomacy,” Chief Tempes said.

In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is a traditional meeting place where community leaders consult, mediate and make decisions based on mutual respect and understanding.

The Namele leaf is a traditional symbol associated with peace, taboo and customary law.

While the Napat-led Government has used the names to represent respectful partnerships with foreign countries, traditional leaders argue that their use was not authorised and undermines the role of customary leadership.

Asked about the next step if Mr. Napat does not resign, Chief Tempes said, “it will be known later”.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China said the name Namele was proposed by the Government of Vanuatu, not China.

Daily Post understands that China is opting to use only “Vanuatu-China Cooperation” rather than Namele for the proposed agreement.

The agreement between Vanuatu and China has yet to be signed.

It is understood that China had been prepared to sign the agreement before the Nakamal Agreement with Australia, but the signing was delayed by Vanuatu.

The PMO has been informed of the chiefs’ demand and has indicated it will not comment on the matter.

MSG LEADERS' RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat formally presented the Pacific and MSG Leaders' resolution for the Human Rights Commission to visit West Papua and the Papuan Provinces in Indonesia during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva, Switzerland.

EMRIP is a key advisory body of the UN Human Rights Council. Its role is to provide critical advice to the Human Rights Council on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  

The activity was actioned in line with the Leaders' Mandate. During the 22nd MSG Leaders’ Summit held in Port Vila in June 2023, MSG Leaders supported the call made by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders in 2019 for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and the Papuan Provinces. The call was reiterated by Pacific Leaders in 2025 during the PIF Leaders' meeting in Honiara and the MSG Summit in Suva, Fiji.  

The Acting Director General (ADG), Mr. Ilan Kiloe, said the MSG Secretariat’s engagement with the UN Human Rights Mechanisms is an important step in advancing the PIF and MSG Leaders' decision.  

“It is a small but significant step towards the implementation of the leaders’ decision to advance the voices of Melanesian peoples on the international stage and demonstrates the organization's strong commitment to promoting justice, human rights, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples,” Mr. Kiloe said. 

"The MSG Secretariat has championed advocacy on indigenous rights during the recently concluded ICJ Advisory Opinion on the obligations of states in respect to Climate Change, and we must continue to demonstrate that commitment," he added.  

In addition to attending the EMRIP session, the MSG Secretariat held a number of targeted bilateral meetings, particularly with the Chairperson of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), Ms. Valmaine Toki; the Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, Dr. Albert K. Barume; the Chief of the Indigenous Peoples & Minorities Section of the United Nations, Mr. Hernan Vales; and special representatives of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), UN Treaty Bodies, the UN Voluntary Fund, and the UN Youth Office.  

The mission concluded with a formal briefing session with the MSG Ambassadors & Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (PRUNs) based in Geneva, Switzerland. The briefing was organized by the Vanuatu Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Sylvain Kalsakau, and hosted by Ambassador Mere Falemaka in the PIF Permanent Mission conference room.  

The MSG Secretariat team was led by ADG Kiloe and supported by Political Affairs Officer Richard Balkonan and Acting Programme Manager/Legal Officer Brittien Yosef.

📍 Photo: Acting Director General Ilan Kiloe, MSG Secretariat team, and MSG Ambassadors during the Geneva briefing hosted at the PIF Permanent Mission.

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COMMENT BY JOE NATUMAN

Congratulations and thank you Acting Director General of MSG and your delegation for bringing our leaders' resolutions concerning abuses of human rights of  our melanesian sisters and brothers of West Papua to the attention of the United Nations Human Rights Council with the hope that a mission would be dispatched to West Papua soon to investigate the numerous human rights violations perpetrated by the occupying Indonesian military