Australian bishops call for more humane treatment of refugees

May 28, 2014

Amid allegations of the beating and rape of refugees by security guards, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has called for a more humane treatment of refugees at a Papua New Guinea island where Australia detains some of its refugees.

Refugees at Manus Island rioted in February after being told they would be detained indefinitely, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. An Iranian asylum seeker was killed during the riots.

“Australia, in our determination to adopt deterrent measures, is turning away many genuine refugees,” the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office said in a statement.

“Failure to recognize fundamental human rights and persisting with this policy constitutes a disregard for the plight of those who rightfully come to our shores seeking protection,” the statement continued. “Our Government continues to turn a blind eye to this humanitarian situation. Due to violence and persecution, migrants and refugees are leaving their homeland in the hope that civilized nations can offer something better.”

 

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Further information:

• Manus Island detention policy.pdf (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
• Manus Island tensions reached flashpoint at pre-riot meeting (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Ex-Manus Island workers report beatings, rapes of asylum seekers (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Beating of Reza Barati on Manus Island ended with a rock dropped on his head: review (The Australian)