PNG Government says refugee assessments on Manus Island have been completed
8 years, 11 months ago

PNG Government says refugee assessments on Manus Island have been completed

ABC  

The Papua New Guinea Government says it has finished assessing whether the asylum seekers detained on Australia's behalf on Manus Island are refugees. Detainees said centre staff and immigration authorities were using a range of measures — including removing "credit points" used to make phone calls or buy cigarettes and restricting access to English classes — to make the refugees accept resettlement in PNG. Manus to stay open 'as long as required' PNG Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato said all the men would be living in separate parts of the centre by June 6, 2016. Mr Pato described the completion of refugee status assessments as "a significant milestone" but said the centre would not be closed anytime soon. In March, PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told the National Press Club the detention centre needed to close, but later said the Australian Government would make the final decision.

Refugees Men Refugee Status Refugee Centre Png  png  completed  assessments  stay  immigration  island  refugees  detention  status  refugee  resettlement  men  manus  centre

History of this topic

The Australian government says a secret funding deal took care of the bill for Manus Island refugees, but some in PNG disagree
1 year, 4 months ago

The Australian government says a secret funding deal took care of the bill for Manus Island refugees, but some in PNG disagree

ABC  

A humanitarian program in Papua New Guinea looking after former detainees of Manus Island is in crisis, with the potential to see about 60 refugees and asylum seekers without a home as soon as Thursday. Australia's Home Affairs department said it paid a substantial sum to PNG to take over “full and independent management” of the living arrangements under a …

More than 60 refugees fear eviction as PNG and Australia disagree over 'outstanding invoices'
1 year, 5 months ago

More than 60 refugees fear eviction as PNG and Australia disagree over 'outstanding invoices'

ABC  

Shah Nawaz Hussain was just 19 when he fled his home in Pakistan to Indonesia, to board a boat destined for Christmas Island. He could have had no idea that what would follow would be a decade of living in Papua New Guinea, including years of detention on Manus Island under Australia's "PNG Solution". PNG's top migration official claims the …

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 …

Asylum seekers in PNG test positive to coronavirus, prompting calls for them to be brought to Australia
4 years ago

Asylum seekers in PNG test positive to coronavirus, prompting calls for them to be brought to Australia

ABC  

Refugee advocates have called for the Australian government to bring all refugees and asylum seekers still in Papua New Guinea home amid the spiralling coronavirus outbreak there. Key points: Six refugees and asylum seekers in PNG have tested positive to coronavirus Refugee advocates say Australia has a duty of care to them The Australian government provides asylum seekers and refugees …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Papua New Guinea sends sick refugees back to Manus Island ahead of APEC summit
6 years, 4 months ago

Papua New Guinea sends sick refugees back to Manus Island ahead of APEC summit

ABC  

Papua New Guinea is clearing refugees out of its capital city ahead of next week's APEC summit. Key points: Refugees say medical treatment in Port Moresby was not completed before removals Police contradict commissioner and say removals are related to APEC Summit will host Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Vice-President Mike Pence More than 20 refugees from Manus Island …

'Negative status' asylum seekers on Manus Island left hanging in legal limbo, unable to leave or stay
7 years ago

'Negative status' asylum seekers on Manus Island left hanging in legal limbo, unable to leave or stay

ABC  

Rejected asylum seekers from Manus Island are being told it is too dangerous for them to return to their countries of origin, but they are also not allowed to stay in Papua New Guinea. Key points: Many were scared to submit refugee claims at the start, some received legal advice not to UNHCR says many of the negative assessments need …

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 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 …

Why is the Manus detention centre being closed?
7 years, 4 months ago

Why is the Manus detention centre being closed?

Al Jazeera  

Over 600 refugees are being detained on the tiny island of Manus. The controversial Papua New Guinea-based centre, dubbed “Australia’s Guantanamo” by people living there, is currently home to about 600 refugees. People using boats to get to Australia’s shores are stopped by the coastguard and subsequently sent to one of several detention centres, including in Manus. One of the …

Why is the Manus detention centre being closed?
7 years, 4 months ago

Why is the Manus detention centre being closed?

Al Jazeera  

Over 600 refugees are being detained on the tiny island of Manus. The controversial Papua New Guinea-based centre, dubbed “Australia’s Guantanamo” by people living there, is currently home to about 600 refugees. People using boats to get to Australia’s shores are stopped by the coastguard and subsequently sent to one of several detention centres, including in Manus. One of the …

Manus Island refugees put 'that hell' behind them for fresh start in the United States
7 years, 5 months ago

Manus Island refugees put 'that hell' behind them for fresh start in the United States

ABC  

Standing in an almost empty bedroom, Abdul Ghafar Ghulami unzips a back pack. Key points: First refugees arrived in the US from Manus Island last week Refugees accuse Peter Dutton of telling lies about Armani jeans Manus Island described as "that hell" by former detainees He pulls out three pairs of pants, a few T-shirts, several document folders and an …

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 …

PNG tells Australia it can't shut Manus Island detention centre and leave asylum seekers behind
7 years, 7 months ago

PNG tells Australia it can't shut Manus Island detention centre and leave asylum seekers behind

ABC  

Papua New Guinea's new Government has told Australia it can't shut down the Manus Island detention centre and leave asylum seekers in PNG at the end of October. But PNG's newly-appointed Attorney-General Davis Steven summoned Australia's High Commissioner and told him the date had not been agreed with the PNG Government. Mr Steven said Australia would not be allowed to …

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 …

Fact check: Was Labor's PNG refugee deal for one year only?
7 years, 7 months ago

Fact check: Was Labor's PNG refugee deal for one year only?

ABC  

The claim Shortly after becoming prime minister for the second time in June 2013, Kevin Rudd announced a new arrangement with Papua New Guinea for the processing and resettlement of asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat. The written component of the arrangement with PNG was first set out in a two-page document entitled "Regional Resettlement Arrangement Between Australia …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Australia agrees to pay $70 million to Manus Island detainees
7 years, 9 months ago

Australia agrees to pay $70 million to Manus Island detainees

CNN  

Story highlights 1,905 detainees brought the class action against the Australian government Australia Immigration Minister said the settlement was not an admission of liability CNN — The Australian government has agreed to pay detainees on Manus Island more than $70 million in the “largest settlement in a human rights class-action” in the country’s history. More than 1,900 detainees had alleged …

PNG: Asylum seekers fear for safety ahead of relocation
7 years, 10 months ago

PNG: Asylum seekers fear for safety ahead of relocation

Al Jazeera  

Human rights groups and asylum seekers fear violence as PNG prepares for the closure of the detention centre. Asylum seekers and human rights groups say Papua New Guinea’s decision to relocate hundreds of people held in an Australian-run detention centre at Manus Island to a remote town will expose them to violence and inadequate medical care. PNG Immigration officials told …

Peter Dutton blames 'politics' as bid to deport six refugees fails
7 years, 10 months ago

Peter Dutton blames 'politics' as bid to deport six refugees fails

ABC  

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has suggested politics played a role in the blocking of his bid to deport six refugees, after some had travelled to Iran to go "back for a holiday". "When you look at some of the judgements that are made, the sentences that are handed down it's always interesting to go back to have a look at …

Manus Island: Asylum seekers told to leave before detention centre closes
7 years, 10 months ago

Manus Island: Asylum seekers told to leave before detention centre closes

ABC  

Asylum seekers on Manus Island have been told they must leave the Australian-funded detention centre so it can be closed. Key points: Refugees have option of relocating to transit centre, settling in PNG, or returning to countries of origin Men whose claims have been rejected told to return to countries of origin by end of August Refugee says many detainees …

Manus Island refugee who died in Brisbane waited 12 hours for medical evacuation
7 years, 11 months ago

Manus Island refugee who died in Brisbane waited 12 hours for medical evacuation

ABC  

A seriously ill young refugee waited more than 12 hours on Manus Island for a medical evacuation to Australia, where he later died. Key points: Immigration Department says it was unaware of any suspicious circumstances New information outlines a 12-hour wait between evacuation approval and departure Flight from the Port Moresby to Manus Island takes about an hour The 27-year-old …

PNG police dispute Peter Dutton's account of Manus detention centre attack
7 years, 11 months ago

PNG police dispute Peter Dutton's account of Manus detention centre attack

ABC  

Papua New Guinea police have rejected claims by Australia's Immigration Minister Peter Dutton that concerns for a small boy led PNG soldiers to attack the detention centre on Manus Island. But Manus province police commander David Yapu said Mr Dutton was referring to an unrelated incident in which there was no allegation of sexual assault, and no concerns for the …

PNG authorities investigate allegations soldiers shot at Manus Island detainees
7 years, 11 months ago

PNG authorities investigate allegations soldiers shot at Manus Island detainees

ABC  

Authorities in Papua New Guinea are investigating a shooting at the Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island allegedly committed by PNG Defence Force personnel on Friday. The shooting was reportedly in response to an earlier fight between asylum seekers and PNG Defence Force personnel from the adjacent Lombrum Naval Base. PNG Defence Force Chief of Staff Colonel Ray Numa said …

Manus refugees not accepted by US to remain in PNG, Dutton says
7 years, 11 months ago

Manus refugees not accepted by US to remain in PNG, Dutton says

ABC  

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says refugees on Manus Island who are not accepted by the United States will remain in Papua New Guinea. Australia 'encouraged' by US approach but no numbers yet The Immigration Minister said US Homeland Security and State Department officials were examining the cases of people on Manus and sounded hopeful many would be accepted. "The Turnbull …

Manus Island: What will happen to refugees who won't be resettled in the US?
8 years ago

Manus Island: What will happen to refugees who won't be resettled in the US?

ABC  

I can tell you what the Australian Government is going to do about the refugees on Manus Island who won't be resettled in the United States. There are potentially hundreds of men on Manus Island who could — if the figure of 1,250 refugees to be taken by the United States is correct — be left behind. He told me …

Manus Island asylum seekers plead for help with deportations looming, amid Senate debate
8 years, 1 month ago

Manus Island asylum seekers plead for help with deportations looming, amid Senate debate

ABC  

Asylum seekers at Australia's offshore detention centre on Manus Island are begging for help as Papua New Guinean and Australian authorities prepare to deport them. The forced removal of detainees on Manus Island will be debated in the Senate today, as some asylum seekers say PNG's immigration service told them they could be flown to their countries of origin in …

Manus Island authorities trying to deport Nepalese asylum seekers from detention centre, lawyer says
8 years, 1 month ago

Manus Island authorities trying to deport Nepalese asylum seekers from detention centre, lawyer says

ABC  

The lawyer for asylum seekers in Australia's offshore detention centre in Papua New Guinea says PNG immigration authorities have begun removing men from the island so they can be deported. Key points: At least one Nepalese asylum seeker removed from the centre to be flown back to Nepal Lawyer says there were major problems with the refugee assessment process Iranian …

Manus police want more officers on island as tension over refugee deal mounts
8 years, 1 month ago

Manus police want more officers on island as tension over refugee deal mounts

ABC  

Police in Papua New Guinea are requesting extra officers be sent to Manus Island to deal with asylum seekers at Australia's offshore detention centre. Key points: Police commander asks for 15 extra officers to be stationed next to detention centre Seven asylum seekers charged in last month for various charges, including one rape Asylum seekers, refugees say police using intimidation …

Donald Trump refugee deal comments spark anger among Manus refugees and residents
8 years, 1 month ago

Donald Trump refugee deal comments spark anger among Manus refugees and residents

ABC  

The refugees Australia sent to Manus Island say they are not surprised President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about a plan to resettle them in the United States. "It was clear that Donald Trump cannot accept the refugees from Manus and Nauru because of ideological reasons," he said. Mr Taghinia said Mr Trump's reaction to the deal confirms what many …

Government confident Trump's expected ban on refugees won't kill Nauru, Manus resettlement deal
8 years, 2 months ago

Government confident Trump's expected ban on refugees won't kill Nauru, Manus resettlement deal

ABC  

The Turnbull Government is confident the future of Australia's one-off refugee deal will not be affected by US President Donald Trump's expected temporary ban on most refugees. Mr Trump is poised to sign an executive order to impose a multi-month ban on allowing refugees into the US, with the exception of religious minorities escaping persecution. Senior government sources say the …

Manus Island detainees blame Australia for death of young refugee
8 years, 3 months ago

Manus Island detainees blame Australia for death of young refugee

CNN  

Story highlights Refugee complained multiple times about camp health services, documents show Sudanese community on Manus Island wrote to Australian authorities asking for help CNN — Detainees at a refugee camp on Manus Island are blaming the Australian government for the death of a 27-year-old Sudanese refugee on Christmas Eve. Sudanese community asked for help Health services on Australia’s detention …

Manus Island refugee dies after being flown to Brisbane hospital
8 years, 3 months ago

Manus Island refugee dies after being flown to Brisbane hospital

ABC  

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection says a 27-year-old Sudanese refugee from Manus Island detention centre has died in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital after being airlifted to Australia for urgent treatment. Key points: Faysal Ishak Ahmed was flown to Brisbane from Manus Island after collapsing and sustaining head injuries Mr Ahmed had suffered numerous blackouts and collapses …

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 …

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