THE president of Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Oudeman, has had talks with West Papuan human rights advocate John Rumbiak.
Mr Rumbiak spoke with Bishop Oudeman and the commission’s executive officer, Peter Arndt on July 29 about the enormous difficulties faced by Papuans as a result of Indonesian Government and military policies and practices.
He discussed efforts by the Justice and Peace Commission in Jayapura to challenge human rights abuses in the territory. He also talked about the development of an ecumenical group addressing justice issues.
Mr Rumbiak, who fled West Papua because of death threats and now lives in New York, made Bishop Oudeman aware of inadequate education services and growing health problems in West Papua and discussed possibilities for assistance from the Australian Church.
Bishop Oudeman, who is actively interested in what is occurring in West Papua, has discussed the situation with his fellow bishops in the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
He is interested in developing further contact with the Church in West Papua.
