IOM

Partnering in with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with MORDI Tonga Trust in providing cash assistance for 800 families in Tonga who were directly affected by the recent crisis, the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami that occurred in Tonga on 15^th January. 

The Thai-owned refrigerator ship Blissful Reefer has been impounded by PNG authorities in Daru -- eight fishermen have so far been rescued, with 19 other crew members still to be questioned.

The chief of mission for the IOM in PNG, George Gigauri, says the rescued men were part of a larger group of forced labourers to be distributed to various fishing boats.

He says PNG authorities are searching for other similar vessels believed to be in its waters.

Mr Gigauri says the Blissful Reefer appears to be part of a wider trafficking ring.

The IOM is working with PNG authorities and Canada's Border Protection Agency to improve surveillance and monitoring.

The agency's head of mission in PNG, George Gigauri, says people crossing the border illegally tend to be from third countries and are usually trying to reach Australia.

Mr Gigauri says the numbers are not large - likely to be in the dozens rather than the hundreds.

He says given the long border, the inhospitable country and communal land ownership, the IOM believes working with the local communties is the way to go.