Join us to Walk in Solidarity With West Papua on 14th September 2024!

We will be walking to raise awareness about the crisis facing Indigenous West Papuans, their lands and rich natural resources which are under increasing threat from environmental destruction and militarisation.

The route from Guildford to Westcott will track The Pilgrims Way via St Martha’s Church and on through the villages of Shere and Abinger to end up at Westcott Holy Trinity Church.

We will leave from Guildford Train station at 9.30am and anticipate that the 20k walk will take between 6-8 hours. Along the way we will walk alongside rivers, pass through nature reserves, beauty spots, farmland, forest and picturesque villages.

There is varying terrain so please wear sturdy footwear (it may be muddy), weather-appropriate clothing and bring a picnic lunch, snacks and plenty of water. A route map will be available, but the aim is to walk together as much as possible, with a break for snacks and a picnic lunch along the way.

We expect we will arrive at Westcott Church sometime around 5 o’clock, where there will be baked potatoes and chilli for all to share!

Please do register on Eventbrite, so that we know to expect you. The £5 registration fee will be donated to Papua Partners. We would love if you would take the opportunity to raise further funds for the work of Papua Partners, by setting up a JustGiving Fundraising Page for the event and encouraging your friends and families to donate.

As this is a linear walk, thought needs to be given to travel arrangements. There will be some parking available near Westcott Church and, where possible, we’d like to encourage people to join up to make their own arrangements. However, if you need help in getting to/from a train station (Gomshall or Dorking) to catch the train to Guildford etc., please let us know.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch events@papuapartners.org

We look forward to walking with you!

Why Get Involved?

The Land and people of West Papua are under threat. Although West Papua is one of the richest regions globally with regard to biodiversity and natural resources, it is now increasingly threatened with environmental destruction and militarisation

The indigenous West Papuan people are facing human rights abuses and a progressive shutdown of free speech, leaving them poor and marginalised in their own land. Women and children suffer most, with very poor access to health and education and experience high levels of violence.

West Papuans want to build a peaceful society and protect their land and create a better future for their children.

Since 2006, Papua Partners has been working together with local indigenous organisations and communities in West Papua to respond to the increasingly challenging and complex social, political and environmental context.

By Walking With West Papua and supporting Papua Partners you will be investing in the future of the Papuan people and their land. Everything we do is in partnership with and designed by Papuans to generate transformative change which brings justice and peace to the land of Papua.

Please feel free to email us on events@papuapartners.org. We will be happy to help.

More information about Papua Partners can be found on our website https://www.papuapartners.org