The Situation for Refugees in PNG: A breakfast discussion

In early November 2019, CAPSA coordinated a delegation of Catholic leaders* to visit refugees and people seeking asylum in Port Moresby, PNG. The purpose of the delegation was to witness the situation of the refugees and asylum seekers in PNG and demonstrate solidarity with them, and to act with them as fellow human beings deserving dignity and respect.

Please come and join Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services, in conversation with Josh Lourensz, who took part in the recent CAPSA-coordinated delegation to PNG. Learn more about CAPSA here.

This will be a chance to gather with like-minded people before the Christmas rush, to hear a first-hand account of what is happening over in PNG for people seeking asylum and refugees and together think through the next steps to advocate for change.

Pope Francis tells us that this is not just about refugees and migrants, “it is about our humanity.” Australia has repeatedly been condemned by the international community for its cruel treatment of people who seek protection. Some of the men that were in Manus are currently in a prison complex named “Bomana” where conditions have been likened to “torture.”

Come along to learn more about what we can all do to ensure that Australia exits one of the darkest chapters of our history.

Event Details:
7.45am – 9am, 17 December 2019
Jesuit Social Services’ Central Office Board Room
326 Church St, Richmond, Melbourne (behind St Ignatius Church)

All welcome – please rsvp for catering purposes via email (info@capsa.org.au) by Friday 13th December.

The poster can be downloaded here, feel free to pass on event details to any who would be interested.

*The delegation included The Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL – Bishop of Parramatta and Chair of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Commission for Social Justice – Mission and Service, Sr. Mary-Clare Holland OP – Member of the Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) council and Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands, Fr. Tom Mcdonough CP Member of the Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) executive and Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Passion (Passionists), Holy Spirit Province (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam) Fr. Peter Smith – Justice and Peace Promoter, Office of Justice and Peace — Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Fr. Gerry Heffernan – Parish Priest of St. Joseph and St. Anthony Parish, Bracken Ridge, Brisbane, Carolina Gottardo – Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia and Joshua Lourensz – National Coordinator of the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA)

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