SUVA, 30 AUGUST 2018 (AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL) – The escalating health crisis for refugee children on Nauru and the Australian government’s shameful refugee policy must be at the top of the agenda when regional heads of government meet at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) next week, said Amnesty International, in an open letter co-signed by a coalition of 84 influential civil society organisations.
The letter urges PIF leaders to call for an immediate end to Australia’s cruel and abusive refugee policy, which has seen more than 2000 women, men and children warehoused on Nauru & Manus Island in cruel and degrading conditions over the past five years.
“Pacific Island leaders cannot ignore this issue any longer and need to ensure that it is at the very top of the forum’s agenda,” said Roshika Deo, Amnesty International’s Pacific Researcher.
“This is a desperate situation that requires urgent action. Regional leaders must show that they will not stand by while the Australian government’s abusive policies continue to risk more lives. It is a stain on the region.”
Earlier this week three medical professionals warned that refugee children on Nauru are facing an unprecedented health crisis and are at real risk of death. Documents leaked to media in Australia reveal horrific incidences of self-harm, including a 14-year-old child who “had poured petrol over herself and had a lighter”, and another 10-year-old refugee who “attempted to self-harm by ingesting some sharp metal objects”.
“The system is clearly broken if children are even considering self-harm,” said Roshika Deo.
The release of this disturbing information came only a week after a critically ill 12-year-old boy was finally flown to Australia for medical treatment, following repeated delays by the Australian government in transferring him, despite medical advice that he was at imminent risk of dying.
These shocking revelations come at a time when the Australian government has begun winding back health services and other support to refugees, including the removal of access to psycho-social support and translators in the last year.
Amnesty International is calling on the Australian government to end offshore processing and immediately transfer refugees and asylum seekers in Manus and Nauru to Australia or to another safe third country. Pacific Island Forum leaders must ensure the human rights of refugees in their territories are protected.
The Pacific Islands Forum, an intergovernmental organisation that aims to promote cooperation between the countries of the Pacific, will take place in Nauru from 3-6 September.
