REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

UNCLAS STATE 004569

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OFDP PREL UN PP
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IN CHILD ABUSE CASE
INVOLVING THE DEPUTY PERM REP AT THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA
MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS


1. This is a sensitive action message. Post please see para

4.


2. Simon Taralala (DOB 3/27/93 in Port Moresby, Papua, New
Guinea) was taken into custody by the New York City
Administration for Children's Services in January of 2007,
following allegations of child abuse by his adoptive mother,
Mathilda Takaku, the Deputy Perm Rep at the Papua New Guinea
Mission to the United Nations. The adoptive mother and the
Perm Rep, Robert Aisi, agreed at that time that the boy
should be placed in temporary foster care until Ms. Takaku
completed a remedial counseling program.


3. In early December 2007, NYC officials advised USUN that
the adoptive mother is gravely ill and has not seen the boy
for months. We further understand that Ms. Takaku has not
attended the previously agreed to therapy sessions. Simon
has stated to NYC officials that he is still afraid of Ms.
Takaku and does not want to return to live with her. He
wants to return to his biological mother in Papua New Guinea.
The United States believes it has an obligation to protect
dependents as well as diplomats and as such would not support
returning Simon to Ms. Takaku without assurances that there
would be no further abuse. Both the City of New York and
USUN believe that Simon should be returned to live with his
biological mother in Papua New Guinea, if possible. It is
unclear, however, whether his biological mother retains any
custodial rights or has any other interest in taking
responsibility for the boy.


4. Given this background, Post is asked to make inquiries at
the highest levels of the Papua New Guinea government to
determine whether there are relatives in Papua New Guinea or
other institutional arrangements which can be made to care
for Simon. We understand based on information derived from
Simon's adoption papers and his baptismal certificate that
his biological mother is Joyce Maia Robesae who is from
Tarara Village in Central Bougainville. Simon has told New
York City officials that his mother lives in Port Moresby
with his sister, Forestina Takaku. The biological father's
name is Nelson Robesae. New York City officials have
requested our assistance in determining if repatriation of
Simon to Papua New Guinea is feasible.
RICE