Prominent Papuan human rights activist Yones Douw died on Sunday, 2 February 2025 at his home in Karang Timur, Kali Harapan Village, Nabire District, Papua Tengah Province. His passing represents a profound loss for both the human rights community and the people of West Papua. As one of West Papua’s most senior human rights defenders, Yones remained actively engaged in human rights work until his death.
Over three decades, Yones Douw helped expose hundreds of human rights violations, including the 2014 Paniai Case. He served as a crucial advocate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in West Papua, ensuring their voices reached both government and the public attention.
On 2 February, Yones reportedly lost consciousness around 1:00 pm. After briefly regaining awareness, relatives brought him to Siriwini Nabire Hospital at 3:00 pm, where he later passed away. He was laid to rest in Nabire on 4 February 2025.
Yones, you will be deeply missed in the continuing struggle for justice and peace in West Papua, but your spirit will inspire us in every effort to make this world a better place. Rest in Peace.
