Nauru refugee in Brisbane burns intensive care unit

Jamal, the 36-year-old Pakistani refugee who set himself on fire on Nauru on Friday morning (23 August) is now in intensive care at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Jamal was flown from Nauru to Brisbane by air ambulance yesterday, Saturday 24 August, around 11.30am.

His condition is still unknown. There has been no statement from the Department of Home Affairs or the hospital. Unconfirmed reports when he was flown from Nauru said he was “critical”.

“We are extremely concerned for Jamal’s welfare,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “The delay by authorities in flying Omid, an Iranian refugee who set himself on fire on Nauru in 2016, was responsible for his death.

“Jamal’s suicide attempt is yet another wake-up call for the Australian government. Jamal is another casualty of Australia offshore detention policy. After six years on Nauru, refugees have no secure future. They have lost hope.

“Over 300 refugees remain on Nauru, but the government has no resettlement plans.”

Five refugees were flown to the US from Nauru on 21 August – but the US deal is almost exhausted on Nauru.

For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713

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