Two New Zealanders have been awarded the 2014 John Rumbiak Human Rights Defenders Award for their work pushing for improved human rights in Indonesia's Papua region.
The West Papua Advocacy Team says the Green Party's Catherine Delahunty has challenged the New Zealand government's community policing project in Papua and sought to provide a platform for Papuan rights advocates in the New Zealand Parliament.
The Advocacy Team says the second recipient, activist Maire Leadbeater, has worked tirelessly to inform New Zealand about the human rights crisis in West Papua.
Ms Delahunty says she is honoured to be considered.
"There are many people working all around the world and the Pacific to support the campaign for human rights and independence in West Papua. I'm one of the small players, have got the privilege of working in Parliament with the Green Party fully supporting my work. So yes, it's an incredible honour, I was most surprised to receive it and very, very humbled."
Catherine Delahunty says much more work still needs to be done.
John Rumbiak had worked in Papua for many years, raising concerns on human rights issues.
