We watched in disbelief on Thursday the 23rd of November as authorities in Papua New Guinea sent immigration officials into Lombrum detention centre, demanding the men move to the new centre at Hillside Haus. There has been footage and reports of officials entering armed with sticks and knives, destroying personal belongings as they dragged men out of the decommissioned camp.
Our researcher Kate Schuetze, who has investigated the situation on the ground on Manus, said:
“There is no justification for this action. International law and standards demand that refugees enjoy international protection. The country where they sought refuge – Australia – has violated their rights at every turn. PNG has aided and enabled Australia’s policy of cruelty and degradation of the refugees. Now the PNG authorities are putting their lives at risk.”
One of those arrested by police during the morning of November 23rd, was journalist and recent Amnesty Media Award winner and human rights activist Behrouz Boochani, who has exposed to the world the extent of the abuse being experienced by all of the men in the detention camp on Manus. It was not clear why Behrouz Boochani was arrested, however it seems this was a deliberate attempt to isolate human rights activists from the wider group. Thankfully Behrouz was quickly released, but concerns remain for his safety and well-being.
Refugees are afraid to move to the new site because they fear for their safety. Amnesty International’s research confirms their fears are well-founded. Refugees have been attacked and seriously injured by some members of the local population who have made clear they do not want the men on Manus. Refugees have little or no protection from these attacks.
Amnesty International has expressed ongoing concerns about the overall safety of the refugees at the new centre as well as lack of access to medical treatment and other services. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and report on incidents as they unfold.
Want to do something for the men on Manus?
Thousands of you have left messages of solidarity to the men on Manus. Many of these messages of support were read out and recorded by Amnesty staff, activists and volunteers from across the country. These messages have been shared with the men on Manus and you can check some of the videos out here here:
We received an immediate response from refugee, activist and journalist Behrouz Boochani thanking everyone for the messages.
Your words make a difference. Never doubt the power you have to make change by voicing your concerns.
