Nauruan police harass camp protest as protests continue

Protests that began on Nauru almost a month ago (26 September), following Scott Morrison’s announcement regarding temporary protection visas and the Cambodia deal continue every night in the family detention camp, OPC 3.

Despite threats and harassment, between 100 and over 250 people hold protests each night at the gate of the camp.

Similarly protests continue to be held in the refugee camp by those already found to be refugees, although the protests have now been confined to the camp itself after Nauruan police warned the refugees they would not permit any protests outside the camp.

Protests at the single men’s detention camp, OPC 2 were suspended last Friday, 17 October.

Last week, Australian immigration officials warned all asylum seekers that if the protests continued and if they participated in any protest, “We cannot do anything for you.” Specifically the protesters were warned that they would halt refugee determinations and withhold the results of any refugee status determinations (RSD) that had been done.

Last night (ie Wednesday night), Nauruan police attended the OPC camp and removed hand painted signs as well as seizing banners that had been displayed on fences.

Meanwhile, the self-harm and attempted suicides also continue. One Iranian couple attempted suicide on Tuesday night, it is believed after they received a negative refugee assessment. The couple were taken to the medical centre and have not been returned to the camp. On 15 October, an eleven year-old boy deliberately swallowed rocks.

“The Minister must address the fact that people found to be refugees on Nauru and Manus Island have nowhere to go,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.

“Cambodia is willing to take ‘four or five’ of the over 200 refugees already determined on Nauru. The PNG government shows no sign it will actually resettle anyone, while the government leaves Syrians, Iraqis, and everyone else to rot.

“People who have been found to need protection are effectively imprisoned on Nauru in the worst of conditions. In the single men’s refugee camp, there is only water for two hours a day, while they have to buy their own drinking water.

“Day by day, the list of crimes mounts against the Minister who might yet face the International Criminal Court to answer for his mistreatment of asylum seekers.”

For more information contact Ian Rintoul: 0417 275 713

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