Catholic Social Services Australia has expressed “profound sorrow and heartache” at the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs, and called for a renewed commitment to dignity and justice.
The five-year girl, referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, went missing from Alice Springs’ Old Timers town camp late on Saturday, sparking a five day, large-scale search, ABC News reported.
But yesterday, police announced the girl’s body had been found, about 5 kilometres south of a crime scene in the town camp.
The girl’s mother yesterday offered an emotional message to her daughter, saying, “I know you are in heaven with the rest of the family with Jesus, and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Me and your brother will meet you one day, we are giving our lives to Jesus. It is going to be so hard to live the rest of our lives without you.”
CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles said, “These words from a grieving mother – filled with grace, faith, and love – remind us of the human cost behind this tragedy.
“In this moment of grief, we hold Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family and community in our prayers, entrusting Kumanjayi Little Baby to the mercy of God and confident in the promise of eternal life.”
Dr Nockles said CSSA would also “rededicate ourselves as a social service community to walk alongside those who suffer, to advocate for justice, and to foster healing and hope”.
“We know that evil exists in the world. We also know that systemic and entrenched disadvantage continue to devastate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lives – a reality we cannot ignore,” he said.
“It is not the fault of all, but it is the responsibility of all to respond with love and justice. This is a solemn challenge for all Australians – to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to listen deeply, and to act decisively to create a future where every life is valued and protected.”
CSSA called on all Australians to reflect on the profound human dignity that must be honoured in every life, and to work together in hope, healing, and justice.
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CSSA mourns the loss Kumanjayi Little Baby and calls for renewed commitment to dignity and justice (CSSA)
