PNG must let go of the Asylum Seekers and reach out to West Papua

By Busa Jeremiah Wenogo

PNG’s highest courts recent verdict that the setting up of the Detention Centre in Manus is unconstitutional should be welcomed with open arms by all Papua New Guineans. This was a deal struck by two desperate governments. One looking for a way to stop the influx of “boat people” coming from Middle East into its shores while the other seeking more handouts from Australia. Their temporary marriage on this sensitive issue was bound to come undone sooner or later. Incidents of clashes between the local security personnel manning the Manus Detention Centre and the detainees clearly demonstrate the frustrations and anger that those refugees harbor against both PNG and Australia. A build up of animosity could spell trouble for both countries; more so for PNG given our incapability to detect and deter terrorism activities on our shores. Whether we knew it or not when the PNG government agreed to housed the asylum seekers it declared itself an ally against the “boat” insurgency from the Middle East. The only problem is that it is not our problem. The refugees clearly don’t want to come to PNG and don’t want anything to do with PNG. So who in PNG in his/her right frame of mind would want to go to the extent of being the “Good Samaritan” to these refugees? Adding salt onto the wound we have even decided to grant citizenship to these refugees. We are just asking for trouble. It is Australia that they want to go so let Australia deal with it. PNG and other Pacific Island Countries should only come into the frame only when the issue is a regional one. Right now it is not. That’s a fact.  

The unconstitutionality of the Detention Centre means that the political leadership of PNG must be held accountable. This was a decision that the current PM and his government undertook without consulting the wider public in PNG. Assessing the threat of such an agreement on PNG’s national security as well as its legality should have been the first and foremost logical thing that the PNG Government should have undertaken prior to signing onto this agreement with Australia. Now the agreement has been found wanting by the highest court of the land.  

If PNG wants to be seen as being serious in addressing refugee issues it should take on board the West Papua Issue with urgency. Similar to the Manus Detention Centre the government should set-up such centres to accommodate refugees freeing across the border to sought refuge in PNG. The government should have atleast argued for the inclusion of West Papua in the MSG in exchange for Indonesia's membership. The West Papua Issue has more relevance to PNG culturally, socially and politically than the “Boat issue” of Australia. The West Papua Issue contrary to the Asylum Seeker is the “regional issue”. The plight of the West Papuans is a threat to the well-being of all Melanesian and Pacific Islanders. PNG’s involvement will draw support from the wider Melanesian family from Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. I am sure other Pacific Island Countries would also support such an effort given West Papuans are Pacific Islanders. In the true spirit of Melanesia and Pacific Detention centres for West Papuan Refugees can be set-up all across the Pacific to share the responsibility to take care of our “brother” in need.

By accepting to illegally hold citizens of foreign countries against their will PNG has not done any good to its reputation. Infact it is just as guilty as Australia in committing this human rights crime. The Supreme Court ruling has done justice to this and perhaps will instill some sense into our leaders to make rational decisions to put the interest of our country ahead of politics. Let’s look at cleaning our own backyard before we lend a helping hand.