We handle refugees well: Pato

 PAPUA New Guinea has one of the best refugee case management systems in the Pacific region, Foreign Affairs and Immigration minister Rimbink Pato said.

Pato was referring to the recent news that appeared in international media about PNG’s support and protection extended to refugees.

“The Government is proud of offering social, legal, humanitarian and community support to all refugees in the country,” he said.

“We are taking best possible measures to provide all-out assistance to refugees in becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible. Depending on their needs, this may include language and cultural orientation training, health insurance, and temporary accommodation.”

The settlement of refugees under RRA is being funded by the Australian Government, Pato noted.

Referring to Iranian refugee Loghman Sarwari’s statement offeeling “homeless” in Papua New Guinea, Pato confirmed that it was not true.  “Sarwari, in fact, was provided with accommodation by his employer but hedecided to move out onhis own will,” Pato claimed.

“He (Sarwari) was never left homeless on the streets of Lae. After leaving his company-provided accommodation, he approached the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Lae where he is currently residing.”

Pato appreciated the social support provided to Sarwari by the local church and termed it as an example of best humanitarian practice demonstrated by the PNG society, communities, andchurches.

He said that PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) provided social support, case management services and health insurance to Sarwari and other refugees.