Australians demand end to Manus Island and Nauru refugee centres
7 years ago

Australians demand end to Manus Island and Nauru refugee centres

Al Jazeera  

Rallies across Australia call for end to government’s policy on detention centres and to allow refugees in the country. Melbourne, Australia – Thousands of Australians marched in major cities across the country to protest the government’s treatment of refugees while demanding an end to its controversial policy of processing asylum seekers overseas. “It’s shameful and damning, the fact that this society – one of the richest and safest on the planet – is suddenly so afraid of these people and that this is what we have to do to them to protect ourselves.” Abdul Aziz, a Sudanese asylum seeker, addressed the crowd from Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, where he has been kept for the last five years. “Despite the brutality, the hardship, the torture and trauma that we are seeing every single day on Manus Island and Nauru, we will not stop fighting for our freedom.” Turnbull’s centre-right government insists off-shore processing is necessary to secure the border and deter human smugglers from claiming they can give asylum seekers a new life in Australia. Under laxer policies overseen by a previous Labor Party government, about 50,000 people arrived in Australia by sea – 1,200 asylum seekers drowned while making the journey.

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History of this topic

Trump’s extremist border policies are part of a global authoritarian moment
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump’s extremist border policies are part of a global authoritarian moment

Al Jazeera  

Successive government in the US, the UK and Australia have embraced and exchanged brutal migration policies for years. Shortly after, in 2001, the Australian government introduced the so-called Pacific Solution, which saw Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea incorporated into an elaborate architecture of offshore detention. When the Australian government moved the last person out of the Nauru …

Australia asked to pay compensation for violating rights of asylum seekers in Nauru camps
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia asked to pay compensation for violating rights of asylum seekers in Nauru camps

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia violated the human rights …

Australia violated rights of asylum seekers held in Nauru, UN watchdog says
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Australia violated rights of asylum seekers held in Nauru, UN watchdog says

Al Jazeera  

The Australian government violated a human rights treaty by detaining a group of asylum seekers, many of them minors, on the remote Pacific island of Nauru, even after they were granted refugee status, a United Nations watchdog has ruled. The UN Human Rights Committee said Australia violated two provisions of the legally binding 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political …

End Days for Australia’s Nauru Detention Center?
1 year, 8 months ago

End Days for Australia’s Nauru Detention Center?

The Diplomat  

The Australian government was expected to begin the process of removing all remaining asylum seekers from the island of Nauru by the end of June, more than a decade after the offshore processing on the tiny Pacific Island was restarted. As Human Rights Watch noted, “few other countries go to such lengths to deliberately inflict suffering on people seeking safety …

UK scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda falls over after court challenge
1 year, 9 months ago

UK scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda falls over after court challenge

ABC  

The UK government's plan to resettle asylum seekers in Rwanda has been deemed unlawful, after advocates challenged the policy in the courts. Key points: The court ruled that 'deficiencies' in the Rwandan asylum seeker system meant it was not a viable third country for resettlement Rishi Sunak has vowed to appeal the decision Last year, the ECHR imposed an injuction …

Refugees on Australian detention island sew lips shut in protest
2 years, 1 month ago

Refugees on Australian detention island sew lips shut in protest

Al Jazeera  

Mohammad Shofiqul Islam and Mohammad Kaium have been held on Nauru for nearly a decade after trying to get to Australia by boat. Please help us to get our freedom.” Justifying cruelty Even as Shofiqul Islam and Kaium protest for their freedom and that of other refugees, the Australian government recently signed off on legislation giving it the legal power …

Thousands of asylum seekers crave certainty after Albanese vow to abolish temporary visas
2 years, 8 months ago

Thousands of asylum seekers crave certainty after Albanese vow to abolish temporary visas

ABC  

While the Biloela family's hopes of gaining permanent residency have been buoyed by the Albanese government's interest in their case, tens of thousands of others on temporary visas, who have similarly sought refuge in Australia, continue to live in limbo. But during those two years Australia changed the rules for asylum seekers, and while Hassan was recognised as a refugee …

Growing up in detention: Casualties of Australia’s refugee system
3 years, 5 months ago

Growing up in detention: Casualties of Australia’s refugee system

Al Jazeera  

Since they were 15, Mehdi and Adnan have been trapped – detained as “unauthorised” arrivals by an asylum system that will never let them resettle. When contacted for comment, an ABF spokesperson told Al Jazeera, “The Australian Government continues to support the Governments of Nauru and PNG, through contracted specialist service providers, to implement arrangements.” The only time unaccompanied minors …

Australia to stop detaining asylum seekers in PNG
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia to stop detaining asylum seekers in PNG

Al Jazeera  

Papua New Guinea says it will provide asylum seekers who wish to stay a path to citizenship, but rights group accuse Canberra of ‘dumping’ refugees. Australia will stop detaining asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea at the end of December, the two countries have announced, as the Australian government shuts one of two controversial detention centres it set up in …

UK planning to send asylum seekers abroad to be processed
4 years ago

UK planning to send asylum seekers abroad to be processed

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Asylum seekers could be sent to processing centres abroad under …

Australians protest against racial injustice, deaths in custody
4 years, 9 months ago

Australians protest against racial injustice, deaths in custody

Al Jazeera  

Protests take place across Australia for second weekend over ‘future of Indigenous people’. Thousands of protesters have rallied for racial equality across Australia despite official warnings the demonstrations could undermine the country’s success in suppressing the coronavirus pandemic. The biggest demonstration took place in the Western Australian capital, Perth, where several thousand people gathered in a park waving “Black Lives …

‘Dark day’: Australia repeals medical evacuation for refugees
5 years, 3 months ago

‘Dark day’: Australia repeals medical evacuation for refugees

Al Jazeera  

Canberra, Australia – Australia has repealed a medical evacuation law for asylum seekers and refugees detained in its so-called offshore processing centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru citing concerns about security, and triggering an angry response from opposition politicians and refugee advocates. Last week, Lambie said did not believe that the government’s immigration policies were undermined by medical evacuation, …

Asylum seekers in detention 200 times more likely to commit self-harm than Australians, research finds
5 years, 5 months ago

Asylum seekers in detention 200 times more likely to commit self-harm than Australians, research finds

ABC  

New research has found that rates of self-harm among asylum seekers in detention are more than 200 times the rates of hospital-treated self-harm among the Australian community. Key points: Asylum seekers on Nauru self-harmed at a rate of 260 incidents per 1,000 people Researchers say the figures are "conservative at best" because rates of unreported self-harm are unknown Government claims …

Manus Island refugee processing is coming to an end — but what happens now?
5 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island refugee processing is coming to an end — but what happens now?

ABC  

After six years, Australia's asylum seeker processing on Manus Island is coming to an end. Key points: Refugees held on Manus Island are being transferred to Port Moresby The men are currently being housed in hotels around the city Non-refugees are being kept in a new Australian-funded detention centre About 1,300 men were originally sent to the Papua New Guinean …

Asylum seeker on Manus Island sustains injuries after self-harming
5 years, 9 months ago

Asylum seeker on Manus Island sustains injuries after self-harming

ABC  

A man from India has sustained injuries after self-harming on Manus Island. Key points: Two men who have attempted suicide this week on Manus Island are alive Self-harm and suicides on Manus have increased since the Coalition was re-elected in May The Morrison Government has pledged it will repeal the medevac laws passed back in February A Papua New Guinea …

Suicide attempts by refugees on ‘prison’ island spike after conservatives win Australian election
5 years, 10 months ago

Suicide attempts by refugees on ‘prison’ island spike after conservatives win Australian election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Suicide attempts among refugees held …

Refugee suicide attempts up on Manus after Australia election
5 years, 10 months ago

Refugee suicide attempts up on Manus after Australia election

Al Jazeera  

Ten men have tried killing themselves since Australia’s conservative government returned to power, refugees say. Melbourne, Australia – Refugees on Papua New Guinea‘s Manus Island say there is increasing desperation on the Pacific island and at least 10 people have attempted suicide or committed self-harm following the re-election of Australia’s conservative government at the weekend. “The election was our big …

Australia’s offshore refugee policy has failed
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia’s offshore refugee policy has failed

Al Jazeera  

Such policies may seem like a quick win with some domestic constituencies, but they are not wins in the long run. I felt desperate because, despite overwhelming evidence of the abuse, for years Australian authorities continued to claim – with no evidence – that the policy of sending asylum seekers to remote offshore locations is the only way to save …

Asylum seekers in PNG hospital hope medevac bill will lead to a new life in Australia
6 years, 1 month ago

Asylum seekers in PNG hospital hope medevac bill will lead to a new life in Australia

ABC  

Refugees in a hospital in Port Moresby are hoping the passing of the medical evacuations legislation will give them not only access to treatment in Australia, but also settlement in the country. Key points: The medevac bill gives doctors more power to decide whether asylum seekers should come to Australia Some asylum seekers are worried immigration officials will prevent them …

Asylum seekers recommended to Australia after medivac bill passed and Christmas Island reopening
6 years, 1 month ago

Asylum seekers recommended to Australia after medivac bill passed and Christmas Island reopening

Daily Mail  

Hundreds of refugees and asylum-seekers in offshore facilities have already gotten recommendations from doctors to be transferred to Australia under new medivac legislation. Hundreds of refugees and asylum-seekers in offshore facilities have already gotten recommendations from doctors to be transferred to Australia under new medivac legislation According to the Department of Home Affairs, the government's medical contractor on Nauru International …

Australia to reopen offshore detention camp after losing vote
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia to reopen offshore detention camp after losing vote

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the Australian government would reopen its controversial offshore detention centre on Christmas Island, stepping up the conservative administration’s hardline policies towards asylum seekers and refugees in an immediate response to a historic defeat over the issue in parliament. The legislation allows refugees and asylum seekers held in existing offshore camps on Nauru and Papua …

Australian govt loses vote on blocking asylum seekers’ treatment
6 years, 1 month ago

Australian govt loses vote on blocking asylum seekers’ treatment

Al Jazeera  

If the bill becomes law, refugees held in offshore facilities could be transferred to Australia for treatment. Australia’s conservative minority government has suffered a monumental political defeat after MPs voted on a bill that would allow refugees held in offshore facilities the right to be transferred to Australia for medical treatment. Since 2012, Australia has sent asylum seekers arriving by …

What now for asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island in need of medical evacuation?
6 years, 1 month ago

What now for asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island in need of medical evacuation?

ABC  

Asylum seekers diagnosed by doctors as needing medical attention in Australia haven't yet been placed on planes. Key points: The lower house of Parliament approved a law expanding medical access for asylum seekers The Government did not support the law, triggering a historic defeat The amended bill still needs to pass the Senate then come into law for new medical …

All refugees on Manus and Nauru could come to Australia 'within weeks', says Immigration Minister
6 years, 1 month ago

All refugees on Manus and Nauru could come to Australia 'within weeks', says Immigration Minister

Daily Mail  

Proposed changes to the way sick asylum seekers are transferred to Australia are designed to end the nation's offshore processing system, according to Immigration Minister David Coleman. The changes, in a legislative amendment supported by Labor and crossbenchers, would ensure two specially-appointed doctors can request medical transfers for offshore asylum seekers to Australia. Proposed changes to the way sick asylum …

Christopher Pyne warns all asylum seekers and refugees on Manus and Nauru could 'qualify' under medical transfer bill
6 years, 1 month ago

Christopher Pyne warns all asylum seekers and refugees on Manus and Nauru could 'qualify' under medical transfer bill

ABC  

Federal Government frontbencher Christopher Pyne claims all asylum seekers and refugees on Manus Island and Nauru could "qualify" to travel to Australia, if the Opposition continues to support a contentious bill about medical transfers. Key points: Christopher Pyne says a bill supported by Labor would see about 1,000 asylum seekers transferred to Australia The bill is not listed for debate, …

Australia to move child refugees on Nauru to the US
6 years, 1 month ago

Australia to move child refugees on Nauru to the US

Al Jazeera  

Nauru is one of two camps where refugees and asylum seekers were put by Australian government. “Every asylum seeker child has now been removed from Nauru or has had their claim processed and has a clear path off the island,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday. Horrid conditions In 2017, Australia closed its Manus detention centre and tried …

Australia's unwanted refugees are living with 'nightmares' while building new lives in the US
6 years, 3 months ago

Australia's unwanted refugees are living with 'nightmares' while building new lives in the US

ABC  

While a passport seems like a commodity most of us take for granted, Faisal Parvez never had one — or a citizenship. Key points: The US has agreed to resettle up to 1,200 refugees from Manus Island and Nauru Resettled refugees receive three months of government support Many still have friends and family left behind in camps He was born …

Manus and the deepening despair of Australia’s endless detention policy
6 years, 3 months ago

Manus and the deepening despair of Australia’s endless detention policy

Al Jazeera  

Fellow refugees are the only lifeline for men who wonder whether they will ever escape the remote Pacific island where they have been held for more than five years under Australia’s harsh offshore detention policies. Manus Island, Papua New Guinea – Aziz Abdul Muhamat had agreed to meet me for an interview near the East Lorengau refugee transit centre at …

Australia faces increased pressure over remote detention policy
6 years, 3 months ago

Australia faces increased pressure over remote detention policy

Al Jazeera  

UNHCR and Australian doctors criticise policy as more details of trauma of detainees on remote Pacific islands emerge. The Australian government, under pressure for its harsh migrant detention policy, has received a double blow as the United Nations and a leading doctors’ group again criticised its harsh treatment of refugees held on remote Pacific islands. The regional office of the …

Former Home Affairs insider calls for Nauru and Manus Island refugees to be brought to Australia
6 years, 5 months ago

Former Home Affairs insider calls for Nauru and Manus Island refugees to be brought to Australia

ABC  

A man who worked for the Home Affairs department up until last week fears there will be a high price to pay if the Government does not resettle refugees on Nauru and Manus Island in Australia. On Thursday one of the Government's own MPs, Julia Banks, backed calls to change the policy on resettlement in Australia, saying we have a …

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru
6 years, 5 months ago

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru

Al Jazeera  

Hundreds of people marched to the Australian parliament on Tuesday to demand the government suspend its policy of sending asylum seekers and refugees to remote Pacific territories, and bring children already detained on Manus Island to Australia. About 500 protesters representing 30 different groups from around rural Australia, including high school students, took part in the rally, amid mounting concern …

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru
6 years, 5 months ago

Pressure mounts on Australia over child refugees held in Nauru

Al Jazeera  

Hundreds of people marched to the Australian parliament on Tuesday to demand the government suspend its policy of sending asylum seekers and refugees to remote Pacific territories, and bring children already detained on Manus Island to Australia. About 500 protesters representing 30 different groups from around rural Australia, including high school students, took part in the rally, amid mounting concern …

MSF calls for immediate evacuation of asylum seekers and refugees from Nauru, end to offshore detention policy
6 years, 5 months ago

MSF calls for immediate evacuation of asylum seekers and refugees from Nauru, end to offshore detention policy

ABC  

Médecins Sans Frontières, the group of doctors kicked off Nauru, has called for the immediate evacuation of all asylum seekers and refugees from the island. Key points: MSF's executive director says years of indefinite limbo has led to a radical deterioration of refugees' mental health MSF is calling for the Australian Government to end its indefinite offshore detention policy The …

Refugees held by Australia languish in a world beyond suffering and suicide
6 years, 9 months ago

Refugees held by Australia languish in a world beyond suffering and suicide

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Kurdish journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani has been held on Manus Island for over four years under Australia’s border protection policy. According to his friend, Salim set foot on Australian soil after 19 July 2013; this date marks the implementation of a policy that involves exiling people to Manus Island and Nauru. Video Ad Feedback …

Up To 58 Australian Refugees To Fly To U.S. As Part Of Resettlement Deal
7 years, 2 months ago

Up To 58 Australian Refugees To Fly To U.S. As Part Of Resettlement Deal

Huff Post  

Refugees prepare to leave Manus Island for the U.S. Refugee Action Coalition Up to 58 refugees being held at Australia’s offshore detention facility on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island will fly to the United States on Tuesday. Refugee advocates in Australia told HuffPost that 40 refugees had already left Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, on Tuesday morning local time, …

We can criticise Australia’s policy of detaining refugees on Pacific islands – but the UK is no better
7 years, 3 months ago

We can criticise Australia’s policy of detaining refugees on Pacific islands – but the UK is no better

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Aussies are famous for their hospitality, …

Manus Island: Police storm isolated camp to remove refugees and 'destroy everything'
7 years, 4 months ago

Manus Island: Police storm isolated camp to remove refugees and 'destroy everything'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Asylum seekers in Papua New …

Authorities start operation to remove 600 refugees from Manus Island center
7 years, 4 months ago

Authorities start operation to remove 600 refugees from Manus Island center

CNN  

Story highlights Around 600 refugees were still in the center without food or water Australian senator visiting the camp says situation could end in "tragedy" CNN — Authorities have started to dismantle the detention center on Manus Island, as an estimated 600 refugees and asylum seekers refuse to leave the site amid an ongoing week long standoff. The operation, codenamed …

Manus Island: Why the crisis won’t change Australia’s refugee policy
7 years, 4 months ago

Manus Island: Why the crisis won’t change Australia’s refugee policy

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Peter van Onselen is a professor of politics at the University of Western Australia. Story highlights Australia has detained hundreds of men, women and children asylum seekers Recent polls show Australians are in favor of a smaller refugee intake CNN — People must wonder what all the fuss is about when the Australian government maintains a hard line …

Humanitarian emergency at ‘Australia’s Guantanamo’
7 years, 4 months ago

Humanitarian emergency at ‘Australia’s Guantanamo’

Al Jazeera  

Protests and criticism drive up pressure on conservative government as 600 refugees hold out on Manus Island. Perth, Australia – “Australia’s Guantanamo” detention centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea officially closed a week ago, but nearly 600 desperate refugees are refusing to leave. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned of an “unfolding humanitarian emergency” in …

Manus Island stand-off continues, Greens say asylum seekers stripped of mental health medications
7 years, 5 months ago

Manus Island stand-off continues, Greens say asylum seekers stripped of mental health medications

ABC  

The Greens have hit out at the Australian Government for its "reprehensible conduct" on Manus Island as the stand-off between hundreds of asylum seekers and PNG authorities continues. Greens leader and physician Richard Di Natale has accused the Government of stripping asylum seekers of essential mental health medications. The refugees and asylum seekers say they do not feel safe at …

Careful, Peter Dutton, Donald Trump might hear you
7 years, 6 months ago

Careful, Peter Dutton, Donald Trump might hear you

ABC  

It's the tiniest start. Dutton, appearing in his regular spot with 2GB's Ray Hadley was asked about a newspaper photo of departees from PNG, which the shockjock said "looked like a fashion show" with people wearing "designer sunglasses". "And the reality is that people wanted to come to Australia, some wanted to come for work, others were happy to come …

Manus Island: First refugees leave PNG for US under swap deal
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island: First refugees leave PNG for US under swap deal

ABC  

Twenty-two men from Manus Island have become the first refugees from Australia's offshore detention centre to leave Papua New Guinea for the United States. Key points: US officials say refugees were approved under stringent vetting process Refugee advocates say 27 others due to leave Nauru on September 27 Refugees accepted under deal between Barack Obama and Malcolm Turnbull The men …

Manus and Nauru refugees told they'll be resettled in US, more approvals expected in coming months
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus and Nauru refugees told they'll be resettled in US, more approvals expected in coming months

ABC  

The first refugees from Australia's offshore detention centres to be resettled in the United States could land in the US within a week. Key points: The notice given to refugees says further processing and more approvals are expected in the coming months News comes as other refugees on Manus Island are being told to prepare to get out of the …

Manus Island: Asylum seekers given 'negative' status could face indefinite detention in PNG
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island: Asylum seekers given 'negative' status could face indefinite detention in PNG

ABC  

Asylum seekers who have spent four years on Manus Island are now facing an indefinite stay in another detention centre in Papua New Guinea. Key points: The $20 million Bomana Detention Centre is being built in Port Moresby Asylum seekers whose claims are rejected and cannot return home may end up there Many threatened with further detention say they don't …

Asylum seekers face welfare crackdown under Government changes
7 years, 7 months ago

Asylum seekers face welfare crackdown under Government changes

ABC  

The Federal Government is set to launch a welfare crackdown on some asylum seekers who were originally transported to Australia for medical treatment. Key points: More than $200 a fortnight in income support to be cut for around 100 people Affected asylum seekers will have three weeks to move out of government-supported accommodation Rights advocates slam move as "an act …

Why Australia’s detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island are still open
7 years, 7 months ago

Why Australia’s detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island are still open

Al Jazeera  

I’ve been making films for more than 20 years and this is the hardest film I have ever made. One year ago, on August 17, 2016, Papua New Guinea and Australia announced they would close the Manus Island offshore detention centre, after PNG’s Supreme Court had ruled the centre was illegal and in breach of fundamental human rights. by Eva …

Chasing Asylum: Australia’s Offshore Detention Centres
7 years, 7 months ago

Chasing Asylum: Australia’s Offshore Detention Centres

Al Jazeera  

Life in Australia’s detention camps on Nauru and Manus Island through the eyes of asylum seekers and whistleblowers. Anyone picked up making the treacherous journey across the Indian Ocean is sent to Australia’s offshore detention camps on the remote tropical islands of Manus and Nauru. Featuring never-seen-before footage of appalling living conditions and shocking testimonies from detainees and whistle-blowers who …

Manus Island detention centre detainees refuse to clear compound after days of protests
7 years, 7 months ago

Manus Island detention centre detainees refuse to clear compound after days of protests

ABC  

Asylum seekers in the Manus Island detention centre are confronting guards and police who are trying to lock gates and clear one of the accommodation compounds. Immigration authorities have told refugees inside the centre they must move into a so-called "transit centre" near the main town on Manus Island, while those men whose claims for asylum were rejected must leave …

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