On behalf of the ULMWP, I express my heartfelt sorrow and condolences on the death of John Licht, former Vanuatu Ambassador to Belgium, France, the UK and the EU.
In his years of diplomatic service to the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr Licht was a constant champion of the West Papuan cause. He helped keep alive the spirit of Melanesian solidarity upheld by Vanuatu’s founding father Walter Lini, who said that Melanesia would not be free until West Papua and Kanaky won independence.
The ULMWP is especially grateful to Mr Licht for his hard work on the 2019 Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) resolution on West Papua. This was a momentous event for our movement, as we gained for the first time the support of the world’s Black nations. In total, more than 110 UN Member states have now demanded that Indonesia allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua. John Licht deserves much of the credit for this achievement. Without his work behind the scenes, we would not have managed it.
Mr Licht will be remembered by West Papuans as a tireless advocate of our right to self-determination. He persevered in a difficult political climate, never wavering on his commitment to peace and justice. Personally, I will remember him as a kind and generous man. I was very glad that he there to witness the ceremony, and even made a speech in Oxford Town Hall when I was issued the Freedom of the City of Oxford.
When we do finally win our independence, we will honour the name of John Licht as one of those who helped bring us to the promised land. West Papua applauds and thanks him. May he rest in peace.
Benny Wenda
President
ULMWP
