Cardinal Ribat calls for better planning and protection of vulnerable people during evictions

Port Moresby: His Eminence Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby, has called on authorities to improve planning and care for people affected by evictions, saying many are being left without proper support.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby

He said many people are being removed from their homes without alternative arrangements, leaving sick persons, persons with disabilities, students and families homeless and without hope. Cardinal Ribat stressed that the government has a responsibility to care for its citizens, especially those affected by evictions, noting that they are also taxpayers who contribute to the economy.

He called for proper policies and planning to ensure people are not left stranded or forced into homelessness. He also acknowledged the decision of Prime Minister James Marape, to halt evictions, but said more preparation and awareness is needed to ensure that such processes are carried out in a fair and humane way.

Cardinal Ribat further warned that the lack of planning around evictions continues to create unnecessary suffering, with cleared spaces often left unused afterwards. He said this reflects poor coordination and inefficiency and urged authorities to take a more responsible approach. He called on government leaders to ensure that future evictions are properly planned, with clear relocation support, to prevent widespread hardship in communities.

Cardinal Ribat also pointed out that currently there are a few individuals feeding the evicted families out of their own pockets and raised concerns about how much longer this should go on as it is the government’s responsibility to care for its people.