First Manus refugees to the US this weekend; now, stop the forced closure

Three Sudanese refugees on Manus Island have been accepted for resettlement in the US. They will fly to Port Moresby this coming weekend and from there to the US two days later.

“This is good news for these refugees who have been illegally held on Manus for four years,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “But uncertainty hangs over the future of the people on Manus. Even if the US deal is met in full, there are not enough places for all those who need protection. The government should immediately halt its moves to forcibly close the Manus detention centre until there is a safe solution for everyone on Manus Island.

“The forced closue and forced transfers are pushing people into unsafe conditions in Port Moresby and East Lorengau, when there are no plans for ensuring they have a secure future.”

The first appointments for Nauru refugees to receive US resettlement answers are scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 21 September.

Above is a photo of Manus refugees checking the detention noticeboard yesterday.

For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713

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