Bishops of Papua New Guinea decry treatment of refugees

March 03, 2014

The Catholic bishops of Papua New Guinea have protested the detention of refugees at the country’s Manus Island holding center, and urged “a truly human response to the question of refugees and asylum seekers.”

“People seeking asylum are human beings who deserve respect and recognition of their dignity,” the bishops of Papua New Guinea said, in a statement reported by the Fides news service. A spokesman said that the statement was issued because the bishops were “appalled to hear of recent disturbances at the Manus Island detention centre resulting in death and injury for the asylum seekers.” The bishops said that the Manus Island facility does not meet the minimum standards required for respectful treatment.

 

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Further information:

• Bishops: urgent “truly humane” response to question of refugees (Fides)