Nauru inmates ‘suicidal’

MENTAL health conditions have developed to “inhumane” levels in an Australian offshore detention centre, with 60 per cent of refugees on Nauru experiencing suicidal thoughts, a doctors group says.

A Medecins Sans Frontieres report says 30 per cent of asylum seekers treated on the Pacific island have attempted to take their own lives, including children as young as nine.

Among 208 patients seen by the group’s doctors, 62 per cent had been diagnosed with moderate or severe depression.

Six per cent of refugees have been diagnosed with resignation syndrome, a rare condition where patients enter a semi-comatose state and are unable to eat or drink.

MSF Australia president Stewart Condon is calling for the Australian Government to put an immediate end to offshore processing.

“Being trapped in indefinite limbo for five years with unclear and unjust processes has led to widespread feelings of hopelessness,” he said yesterday. “The evidence unequivocally shows that people’s mental health is at serious risk when being held in detention.”

The release of the report comes as protesters rally outside Parliament House in a bid to push the Government to act on removing refugees.

Other rallies will also be held outside the offices of MPs.

Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636