Catholic Church welcomes court decision on detention centre

The Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of PNG and Solomon Islands has welcomed the recent decision of the Supreme Court to declare the Manus detention centre for asylum seekers unconstitutional and unlawful.

General Secretary of the CBC, Fr.Victor Roche said the Catholic Church has always maintained that the arrangement to bring people seeking refugee status in Australia to PNG and to detain them on the island was unjust, inhumane and unlawful.

“These people have human rights and dignity that have to be considered, just as every other person living in PNG, “said Roche.

However, Roche added that it is imperative that the two governments respect and honour their obligations to uphold the laws and to accord full rights to people in accordance with the law.

“The court’s decision is a vindication of justice and the supremacy and value of our Constitution.

“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision is a victory not only for the asylum seekers but also for the Constitution of PNG.

“It was the Australian Government, in a deal with the PNG Government, which brought the Asylum seekers to Manus Processing Centre, more aptly described as a detention centre.

“It is our prayer and hope that the Australian Government with the help of the PNG Government will find a compassionate and humanitarian way to respond to the plight of those who find themselves in this situation,” said Roche.

Roche finished by saying that the Church believes the PNG Court decision can also impact on the people detained on Nauru.

“Nauru has a similar Constitution as PNG with the same human rights provisions contained in its Constitution

“While the PNG Court decision can be heralded on one hand, we are mindful of the uncertainties still faced by the asylum seekers, especially when Australian Government maintains that these unfortunate and vulnerable people will not be taken into Australia

“The Catholic Church is prepared to assist in the resettlement of any genuine refugees who wish to remain in Papua New Guinea.

“We also want to see that the asylum seekers are justly compensated for the injustice they suffered,” said Roche.

Author: 
Troy Taule