UNHCR Meets with CBC Migrants and Refugees Desk

Representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) met with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to strengthen collaboration in supporting migrants and refugees Desk of the conference.

As as sign of welcome, Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI presented a traditional Bilum to the UNHCR Regional Representative Ms. Soon-Jin Rhee and two other officers.

The meeting took place at CBC’s headquarters on Wednesday 8th of October. It was attended by UNHCR representatives Ms. Soo-Jin Rhee, Regional Representative, Ms. Rachel Demas, Senior Protection Officer, and Mr. Markel Redondo Ibarando, Associate Protection Officer, all from the UNHCR Canberra Office. Representing the CBC PNG & SI were Fr. Lawrence Arockioraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI, Jason Siwat, Migrants and Refugees Director and Mr. Ephraim Bavi, Migrants Officer.

The main purpose of the meeting was for the regional representative, Ms. Soon-Jin Rhee, who was visiting Papua New Guinea to meet with CBC representatives, to become acquainted with the work of the CBC Migrants and Refugees Desk.

Fr. Lawrence opened the meeting by welcoming the delegation and highlighting the support that the Bishops Conference continues to provide to the M&R Desk. He reaffirmed that the Church remains committed to helping migrants, refugees, and people in need.

Migrants and Refugees Director, Jason Siwat shared an overview of the desk’s ongoing activities and raised three key discussion areas one is capacity building, fundraising and financial challenges, and protection issues faced by West Papuan refugees. He emphasized that, despite limited capacity, the desk is committed to its moral and pastoral mission to serve those in need.

UNHCR representatives commended the work of the CBC and the important role the M&R Desk plays in supporting refugees and people on the move. They expressed interest in working together in the future, particularly in capacity building through training for those who assist border crossers entering Papua New Guinea.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to continue discussions on possible areas of partnership, including fundraising and future initiatives aimed at improving protection and support for migrants and refugees across the country.