The Catholic Leader - 12 November - Issue 5477

1 / 32

Keeping Faith with You
OVER TO YOU PINTEREST linkedin
Queensland Price $2 / $2.50 Interstate November 12, 2017. Issue 5477
MANUS CRISIS
By Mark Bowling
AMID public protests, vigils and picketing of politician’s
offices, the Catholic Church and United Nations are
spearheading criticism of the Australian Government over
its handling of asylum seekers on Manus Island.
The future of about 600 men left on Manus remains in limbo after their
refusal to leave the processing centre amid fears for their safety.
The PNG Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch applica-
tion to restore power, water, food, sanitation and medical
services to the centre.
“The situation on Manus Island is turning into a hu-
manitarian disaster and it is a direct result of our govern-
ments’ failed policy,” Bishop Delegate for Migrants and
Refugees, Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long said.
“As a nation that prides itself on its respect for the rule
of law and its globally responsible citizenship, we must
find a workable and principled solution.”
At the time of going to press, more than 600 refugees had
barricaded themselves in the mothballed detention centre,
which closed on October 31.
With food and drinking water running out, group members
claimed to be too scared to move to alternative accommoda-
tion in Manus Island’s provincial capital, Lorengua.
They feared they would be attacked by locals.
Basic services including water, electricity and medical
services were cut off after the detention centre closure.
“As a church, as a Christian country, what now will we do
for our brothers?” St Michael’s Church, Lorengau priest Fr
Alex Tanai said.
Bishops urge action
over 600 asylum
seekers on island
Public stand: Protesters at a Brisbane rally supporting the
asylum seekers on Manus Island.
The situation on Manus
Island is turning into a
humanitarian disaster.
THE Leader Catholic