PRESS RELEASE BY BROTHER PETER RYAN FSP, CONGREGATIONAL LEADER OF THE PATRICIAN BROTHERS AND WORKING IN EDUCATIUON IN SEPIK (PNG)

Has the O'Neill government forgotten the sufferings of Manam Island
refugees when they were 'settled' on the mainland after volcanic
eruptions some years ago?  These desperate citizens endured much
hostility and lacked access to adequate education or health services.
They could not find employment nor afford to buy land or build
permanent housing.  Already PNG struggles to meet the humanitarian
needs of West Papuan refugees.  How can the government now promise
security, assimilation and prosperity to additional refugees when
these and even PNG citizens displaced by natural disaster could not be
well looked after?    Australia's extra aid for Manus Island, Lae
hospital and PNG's universities is welcome but it will not solve the
land, health, education and employment problems that foreign refugees
to PNG inevitably face.  The Rudd government in Australia is desperate
to solve its border security problem.  However the reported agreement
with PNG is neither in the best interests of desperate people nor
PNG's social harmony.

Brother Peter Ryan fsp
Patrician Brothers
PO Box 107 Wewak ESP
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Email: pryanfsp@gmail.com