Australia: New Amnesty report documents widespread abuse of refugees on Nauru (offshore refugee facility)

[TomSea]

New Amnesty report documents widespread abuse of refugees on Nauru

A new Amnesty International report issued Tuesday revealed widespread abuses against asylum seekers being detained in Australia's notorious offshore facility at Nauru.

Refugees attempting to reach Australia by boat to apply for asylum were taken by Australian authorities to Nauru and other offshore camps while their asylum claims were processed. However, most of them have now been there for years, with no progress on their asylum applications, are unable to leave, and face denial of health care, physical, and sexual abuse.

"The Australian government’s failure to address serious abuses appears to be a deliberate policy to deter further asylum seekers from arriving in the country by boat," the Amnesty report read. "Refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru, most of whom have been held there for three years, routinely face neglect by health workers and other service providers who have been hired by the Australian government, as well as frequent unpunished assaults by local Nauruans."

Self-harm and suicides have become routine as the situation in Nauru grows more dire. In April, an Iranian man died after he self-immolated. Less than a week later, a 19-year-old Somali woman also set herself on fire to protest treatment in the camp.

See More At: http://www.albawaba.com/news/new-amnesty-report-documents-widespread-abuse-refugees-nauru-869138

[geronl]

doubtful that they are abused on Nauru, many have free roam on the island from the reports I have seen

[Fishrrman]

"Refugees attempting to reach Australia by boat to apply for asylum were taken by Australian authorities to Nauru and other offshore camps while their asylum claims were processed. However, most of them have now been there for years, with no progress on their asylum applications"

Sounds like the Aussies are doing it right.

With a bit of luck, word should get around -- DON'T come as a "refugee" to Australia. If you try it, DON'T expect an easy pathway "in".

This is absolutely the right kind of policy, and Australia ought to tell Amnesty International to bugger off!