Amnesty calls on Prime Minister Turnbull to save hundreds of refugees stranded on Manus Island

Amnesty International Tasmania’s Refugee Rights Network is holding a special “Honkathon” this Friday the 3rd of November to draw attention to the the harm being inflicted on refugees currently on Manus Island.

In the past week Amnesty researchers on the ground in PNG have heard stories of water, food and medical treatment being cut-off at the Lombrum detention centre, with hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers refusing to leave the fenced compound due to fears of violent attacks in the community. As a result, the mental and physical health of people within the detention centre is rapidly deteriorating, with the situation being described by people in the centre as a powder-keg.

“Amnesty condemns the Australian government for forcing already vulnerable people on Manus to choose between their safety, or access to food, water and medical treatment,” said Henry Austin-Stone, Branch President of Amnesty International Tasmania.

“ We will hold the Australian Government responsible for any deaths or injuries to the men seeking asylum that occur as a result of these men being forcibly moved to alternative locations. The men should be brought to safety before any more lives are lost.”

“Australia must uphold our pledge as a member of the UN Human Rights Council to work with other states to support international human rights obligations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region”. – Amnesty southern group convener, Sylvia Merope

“We implore the Australian and PNG governments to act now to stop a catastrophe, and to take all necessary steps to prevent violence against refugees from the community and ensure their safety.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Honkathon on Friday to show their support for the safety of these men.
Lili Calitz, Member, Amnesty International Tasmania Refugee Rights Group