The Heads on Fire Community

The direction of the research:

Participants should first look at the "Genocide in West Papua?" report from the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney, which outlines the most important aspects of the conflict.

http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/centres/cpacs/wpp.htm

We would like participants to come to an understanding of the issues in Irian Jaya:

- A general look at how conflict in the area has been progressing, focusing preferably within the last 10-15 years.
- Political involvement and military actions on part of the Indonesian government
- The human rights abuses being carried out by the military
- The effect that displacement is having on the native population
- The specific ethnic groups being affected

All research that will proceed must provide more specific insight into these issues than is present in the "Genocide is West Papua?" report. For example, the effect that displacement is having on the population: further inquiries might be if people are still able to find work to support their families, what kind of work they are able to find, how displaced people's health and education are coping, how effective relief efforts have been, birth rate statistics or how and where (if any) displaced people are managing to reintegrate themselves and settle down again.

Research can be taken from recent articles, databases, contacts or any other method each person may have access to, as long at they address the issue of genocide in West Papua, ethnic conflicts between natives and foreigners, or any topic giving a look at the present cultural and political tensions in West Papua. The more diverse range of input we can get the better, as to create as much as possible a more complete understanding of the conflict.

On 8 September, we will start the discussion online. Participants will be asked specific questions to provide responses to, evaluate responses of others and commence in a debate.

Again, those who are interested are to create an account on the community page BY 31 AUGUST. This will give us time to organize ourselves to commence the discussion the following Friday.

If there are any questions whatsoever, please send them my way. I will be controlling my inbox and will respond shortly to any inquiry: maryka@headsonfire.org

We are setting this as the date to complete the research period and we look forward to getting the discussions started.