Federal Government urged to find solution for all asylum seekers on Manus Island, Nauru: UNHCR
8 years, 4 months ago

Federal Government urged to find solution for all asylum seekers on Manus Island, Nauru: UNHCR

ABC  

The United Nations refugee agency says the Federal Government must find a solution for all asylum seekers held on Manus Island and Nauru, and not just those recognised as refugees. Key points: The US and Australia have agreed to a one-off refugee resettlement deal for people on Manus Island, Nauru UNHCR will endorse the arrangement, but has called on both countries to act quickly A fleet of ships has been sent to Australia's north in anticipation of heightened activity from people smugglers The Federal Government has announced a one-off resettlement deal with the United States, for an unspecified number of refugees held in the offshore processing centres on Nauru and in Papua New Guinea. "It's important that they don't remain in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, where they've stayed for far too long and indeed languished in limbo," said UNHCR's external relations officer, Catherine Stubberfield. "There's a number of issues in terms of fundamental rights for refugees on Nauru, the conditions in which they've been held, and until today a lack of long-term solutions," Ms Stubberfield said.

Refugees Australia Refugee Asylum Federal Need Deal People Smugglers Federal Government Nauru Unhcr Manus Island Ms Stubberfield  need  federal  island  deal  unhcr  urged  australia  nauru  manus  refugees  solution  asylum  seekers  refugee

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, 2 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, 2 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 …

A teenager is among the first boat arrivals sent to Nauru in nine years
1 year, 5 months ago

A teenager is among the first boat arrivals sent to Nauru in nine years

ABC  

A 17-year-old boy is among a group detained inside the regional processing centre on the remote pacific island of Nauru. "Therefore, those personnel have been transferred to Nauru for regional processing by the government of Nauru, in accordance with longstanding Operation Sovereign Borders policies," he said. In recent years, the Nauru Processing Centre has been wound back, as refugees and …

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 …

Australia accepts New Zealand offer to take boat refugees
3 years ago

Australia accepts New Zealand offer to take boat refugees

Associated Press  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Australia on Thursday accepted a longstanding New Zealand offer to resettle boat refugees it had sent to the remote island nation of Nauru. Under the terms of the deal, New Zealand will resettle up to 450 refugees over three years who are either living on Nauru or in temporary processing facilities in Australia. Former New Zealand …

Australia ends migrants housing deal with Papua New Guinea
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia ends migrants housing deal with Papua New Guinea

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia is ending a deal with Papua New Guinea to house asylum-seekers, leaving scores who have spent years on the South Pacific island nation the options of resettling in the United States or the tiny atoll of Nauru. Australia has been paying Papua New Guinea and Nauru since 2013 to house thousands of asylum-seekers who attempt to …

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 …

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 …

Manus Island asylum seekers make friends with Australians online, but many do not want to come here
5 years, 8 months ago

Manus Island asylum seekers make friends with Australians online, but many do not want to come here

ABC  

Jill Horton is part of a large community of Australians who have reached out to asylum seekers, providing friendship and support. Key points: Australians are providing friendship to asylum seekers in detention centres Doctors, lawyers, artists, musicians, writers and activists are helping people in detention, especially concerning their mental health needs People are connecting online and organising lawyers and translators, …

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 …

Will the medevac bill allow healthy refugees on Nauru and Manus to come to Australia?
6 years ago

Will the medevac bill allow healthy refugees on Nauru and Manus to come to Australia?

ABC  

The claim Immigration Minister David Coleman is one of many in the Government to issue a criticism of the so-called "medevac bill", telling Sky News the legislation required a "very, very low threshold" for bringing refugees and asylum seekers to Australia from Manus Island and Nauru. Known as the "medevac bill", the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 allows refugees …

Refugees, including children, leave Nauru for the US
6 years, 1 month ago

Refugees, including children, leave Nauru for the US

Al Jazeera  

The departures mean no more children left on the remote island where Australia sent asylum seekers who arrived by boat. The children’s departure from Nauru comes as the Australian government faces domestic and international pressure over the physical and mental health problems suffered by those living on Nauru as well as on Manus Island, where male asylum seekers are held. …

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 …

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, 2 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 …

Facing heat, Australia to take children off Nauru by year-end
6 years, 4 months ago

Facing heat, Australia to take children off Nauru by year-end

Al Jazeera  

Number of children held on Pacific island has more than halved in two months with refugee groups saying only 38 remain. “There are hardly any children on Nauru … and we expect that by the end of this year, there will be none,” Australia’s top diplomat in Britain, High Commissioner George Brandis, told the London radio station LBC. “Children have …

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 …

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 …

Asylum seeker doctor removed from island as Nauruan Government blocks medical evacuation
6 years, 6 months ago

Asylum seeker doctor removed from island as Nauruan Government blocks medical evacuation

ABC  

The ABC understands the most senior medical officer working with asylum seekers on Nauru has been removed from the island amid an ongoing stoush over the transfer of patients off the island. Key points: The Queensland doctor was employed by an Australian Government contractor as a locum on Nauru On Wednesday, the Australian Federal Court heard the Nauruan Government had …

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 …

UN official visiting Nauru detention centre concerned about 'shocking' mental health situation
7 years ago

UN official visiting Nauru detention centre concerned about 'shocking' mental health situation

ABC  

A senior United Nations official has demanded the Federal Government reconsider its offshore processing policy as concerns about detainees' mental health grows. Key points: UNHCR says mental health situation on Nauru is particularly shocking Cites family separation as a major issue, gives example of catatonic 14yo girl separated from her mother UN is urging Australian Government to rethink its offshore …

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 …

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, …

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 …

How can the crisis on Manus Island be resolved?
7 years, 4 months ago

How can the crisis on Manus Island be resolved?

Al Jazeera  

Ten days after Australia withdrew support for its prison camp in Papua New Guinea, detainees refuse to leave. Ten days ago, Australia officially withdrew support for the prison camp it has maintained on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island since 2012. For the last five years, Australia has maintained a policy of detaining refugees intercepted at sea there and at a …

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: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demands services be restored to centre
7 years, 4 months ago

Manus Island: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demands services be restored to centre

ABC  

Australia should restore food, water and health services to 600 men inside the Manus Island immigration processing centre and end the "unfolding humanitarian emergency", the UN human rights office says. Key points: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says the men should be transferred to Australia The men refuse to leave closed detention centre because they believe the alternative accommodation …

Manus Island stand-off continues, Greens say asylum seekers stripped of mental health medications
7 years, 4 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 …

Manus Island: PNG authorities stop refugees leaving centre to give evidence in compensation case
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island: PNG authorities stop refugees leaving centre to give evidence in compensation case

ABC  

Papua New Guinea authorities have stopped two refugees from Australia's offshore detention centre on Manus Island from travelling to Port Moresby to give evidence in the Supreme Court. Behrouz Boochani and Aziz Adam were summonsed to appear in a compensation case against the PNG Government, which was found to have illegally detained the men on Manus Island between 2013 and …

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 …

Manus Island detainees' $70m compensation settlement approved
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island detainees' $70m compensation settlement approved

ABC  

A compensation deal from the Australian Government worth $70 million for 1,300 current and former detainees on Manus Island has been approved by Victoria's Supreme Court. Justice Cameron Macauley said the compensation would allow lawyers to allocate money to reflect each applicant's personal circumstances. Loading Asylum seekers 'denied refuge and protection' The Federal Government wants to close the Manus Island …

Manus Island refugees and asylum seekers say $70m payout 'not enough'
7 years, 6 months ago

Manus Island refugees and asylum seekers say $70m payout 'not enough'

ABC  

Refugees and asylum seekers who will receive compensation for being illegally detained on Manus Island have said they are unhappy with the $70 million settlement as concerns are raised some may have difficulty accessing the money. Asylum seekers without bank accounts unsure how they will get the money Victoria's Supreme Court approved the settlement between the Australian Government, detention centre …

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 …

Manus Island asylum seekers told to leave or be forced out by police
7 years, 8 months ago

Manus Island asylum seekers told to leave or be forced out by police

ABC  

Refugees inside the Manus Island detention centre have been told to leave, or they will be forced out by police. Key points: Refugees told they will have to move from the facility in the "imminent future" Centre managers warn refugees that police will be brought in if they don't move Many refugees fear for their safety if they are moved …

Australia to pay $53m to Manus Island asylum seekers
7 years, 9 months ago

Australia to pay $53m to Manus Island asylum seekers

Al Jazeera  

Government says settlement with 1,905 Manus detainees, who sued over ‘hostile conditions’, is ‘not admission of guilt’. The Australian government has agreed to pay 70 million Australian dollars to more than 1,900 asylum seekers who sued over their treatment at the Manus Island detention centre on Papua New Guinea. “The people detained on Manus Island have endured extremely hostile conditions …

Manus Island: Why asylum seekers sued the Commonwealth
7 years, 9 months ago

Manus Island: Why asylum seekers sued the Commonwealth

ABC  

The Commonwealth has agreed to pay $70 million in compensation to more than 1,900 asylum seekers who spent time on Manus Island between 2012 and 2016. Included in the allegations were that: Detainees were at times provided with food contaminated by worms, maggots, flies other insects, human hair, teeth or sweat Detainees often had to queue for hours to receive …

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