Papua New Guinea is prepared to take in Melanesian refugees from the neighbouring West Papua when the situation arises.
Prime Minister James Marape made this announcement on the floor of Parliament after being questioned by Opposition Leader and Vanimo-Green MP, Belden Namah.
Waves of mass protests and violence have hit the region of West Papua since mid-August.
The Human Rights Watch has reported the recent death of 33 people during the Wamena riots in Papua, and said “since September 29, 2019, at least 8,000 indigenous Papuan and other Indonesians have been displaced from their homes in Papua”.
Opposition Leader Namah asked the Prime Minister in the recent Parliament session if the Government stands ready to receive refugees.
In response, the Prime Minister said we are Melanesians, and we are prepared to burn our last toea to accept refugees into PNG.
“As Melanesians, our hospitality remains, even to our own cost,” he stated. “We will take care of them but in the first instance, whatever happens on the other side of the border belongs to the Indonesian government, it is their responsibility.
“My first and foremost priority is to the safety and welfare of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, her people, and the sovereign state of Papua New Guinea.”
Marape further said during his meeting with the Indonesian ambassador, he had made it absolutely clear that PNG expects no Indonesian soldier to cross into our territory.
“In as few as we may be, we will stand to defend our borders.”
Meantime, when receiving two petitions from West Papuan advocates, including NCD and Northern Province governors, Powes Parkop and Gary Juffa, UN resident coordinator Gianluca Rampolla said he was aware of many calls which have been made to the UN to step in and contain the situation, adding the organisation was doing what is possible under its capacity.
He further said they are working with central government, local authorities, PNG Defence Force and National Disaster Centre to pave plans to ensure that if refugees are coming in, they are well prepared to receive them in a dignified manner.