Manus island stand-off

At the time of writing, more than four hundred detainees continue to refuse to leave what remains of the detention centre. The PNG government is determined to remove them to the three East Lorengau facilities, whilst our government continues to blame everyone but itself for this humanitarian catastrophe. 

In recent days, the Doctors For Refugees organisation has sent a detailed letter to every member of parliament, setting out the realities of the terrible state of affairs, and making clear that is the government's responsibility to care for the refugees and asylum seekers. They say: "On the evening of 4th November 2017, a man with a suspected heart attack in the former RPC (refugee processing centre) sought assistance in the Lorengau hospital. This man was discharged from the facility without having an ECG or blood tests....Thirty six hours later these essential investigations still had not been performed. With this level of medical support, it seems there is little hope for any refugee who becomes seriously unwell on Manus island, whether they are in the former RPC or relocated to East Lorengau."  The letter goes on to point out:" The situation is a direct consequence of the government's arbitrary, indefinite incarceration of hundreds of innocent men in a hostile environment on a remote island in a poor country, unequipped in all respects to look after them. It must finally take adequate responsibility for the welfare of these men."

The full text of the letter will be available shortly on our blog. Please consider phoning politicians to protest at this ongoing catastrophe of our government's making. 

Telephone numbers:

Prime Minister Turnbull: (02) 6277 7700 and (02) 9327 3988

Opposition leader Shorten: (02) 6277 4022 and (03) 9326 1300

Minister Dutton: (02) 6277 7860 and (07) 3205 9977

Luke Hartsuyker: (02) 6277 4482 and (02) 6652 6233

 

Bellingen Nambucca Rural Australians for Refugees