PNG Government is in the process of dismantling the Manus processing facility and is looking at other arrangements with Australia to resettle those refugees who do not wish to settle in Papua New Guinea.
Minister for Public Services Sir Puka Temu told world leaders at the 71st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York recently.
He delivered the speech on behalf of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He said the ongoing sad plight of millions of refugees, migrants, including internally displaced persons and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, should and cannot be the new normal.
“No country is immune from the implications of this increasing global concern.”
Sir Puka told the world leaders that the Government has accepted the decision of the Supreme Court earlier this year to close down the facility as the court found the arrangement to be unconstitutional.
“We are committed to be part of the global solution to this affront to the dignity of humanity and human rights.
“We pledge to act together with the international community to address not only the root causes, but also better assist the affected victims and impacted countries of origin, transit and destination.”
He added that halting the inhumanity and indignity must be our moral compass.
“We therefore commend and support the strong leadership shown by the UN Secretary-General and other leaders of the world in directly addressing this serious issue including through the Istanbul World Humanitarian Summit last May and other relevant meetings on migrants and refugees.”
The 71st United Nations General Assembly starts on Sept 20 and will end on Sept 30.