They now have food for one week. IOM has exceeded its budget (by third hand report) and now the Migration Office is feeding the men, in addition to private donations. Their spirits are much better today than they were last week. Samuel sang songs for us today - he has an excellent voice and we all said a prayer. At Mass yesterday evening Fathre John spoke of the men and being hungry so I hope that the local people also contribute. It is a difficult situation all around. The National government is responsible for calling the shots on this and many of us have the impression that they are far removed from the day to day activities here. Regardless of our faith or beliefs, let us all say a prayer that the outcome for the men with be one of safety and security. And that it will be soon.
We still need some action from some Human Rights organizations here. We cannot keep men on the island and not have food or health care provided to them. Was told this morning that a man cannot be taken to the outpatient department because IOM has not payed the bill. While I personally do believe the part about the bild not being pais, I do not believe that the hospital would refuse care. So I will discuss this with the Director tomorrow. She is a kind and generous woman and I don't believe she would refuse care to anyone. So we need to be patient while I check on that one tomorrow morning.
We also have had no word from the UN HRC - refugee agency.
There must be someone out there in the human rights field that can help the men. Father John has called the US Embassy - this is out of their jurisdiction. But we need someone with some clout who can help make a difference on the bigger picture. My friends and I will continue to do what we can on the local level. Doctors without Borders help refugees, maybe they can help here? Can ask. Worse outcome is that they tell me no.
We still need some action from some Human Rights organizations here. We cannot keep men on the island and not have food or health care provided to them. Was told this morning that a man cannot be taken to the outpatient department because IOM has not payed the bill. While I personally do believe the part about the bild not being pais, I do not believe that the hospital would refuse care. So I will discuss this with the Director tomorrow. She is a kind and generous woman and I don't believe she would refuse care to anyone. So we need to be patient while I check on that one tomorrow morning.
We also have had no word from the UN HRC - refugee agency.
There must be someone out there in the human rights field that can help the men. Father John has called the US Embassy - this is out of their jurisdiction. But we need someone with some clout who can help make a difference on the bigger picture. My friends and I will continue to do what we can on the local level. Doctors without Borders help refugees, maybe they can help here? Can ask. Worse outcome is that they tell me no.
No comments:
Post a Comment