Asylum seekers seek ‘safe’ relocation

ASYLUM seekers held on Manus Island have urged Papua New Guinea to distance itself from Australia’s refugee policy and help them relocate to “safe” countries.

In a handwritten letter, addressed to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and other members of the government, the detainees urge authorities to oppose Australia’s plans to resettle them in surrounding PNG communities.

Refugees were reportedly attacked by locals during riots in 2014 and again in April this year when men tried to storm the facility.

The detainees are expected to be ejected from the centre when it shuts on October 31, but say they fear further violence.

“We have been held in your country against our wishes and have been denied our liberty and have been tortured in your country,” says the letter, which was circulated to media by the Refugee Action Coalition.

“Please do not go along with (Australia’s) mistreatment.”