CathNews New Zealand

The body representing the Catholic Bishops of  Oceania have joined the international outcry at what is happening to asylum seekers

The Executive Committee of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have issued a statement condemning what is happening to asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru.

“Callousness can never be the proper response to human tragedy.”

“We applaud PNG’s Supreme Court’s decision that the Manus Island detention centre is unconstitutional and illegal and we trust the Australian and other authorities will act swiftly in implementing a humane plan of rehabilitation for the detainees.”

The executive committee also:

• Congratulated and offered encouragement to the Governor of Port Moresby on the development of this city and his commitment to justice, integrity and service in civic leadership
• Expressed their satisfaction that The Papua New Guinea Government has recently passed a Bill agreeing to implement the strategies proposed by the Paris COP21 meeting about climate change and sustainable development.
• Expressed support for the West Papuan people’s desire to participate fully in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)

The Executive Committee of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania ( Australia, New Zealand, PNG/SI, CEPAC) is currently meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Source

• Supplied
• Image: Supplied

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News category: Asia Pacific.