Refugees an ‘Oz problem’

– The United Nations called on Australia yesterday to take responsibility for about 800 refugees and asylum seekers stranded in a detention centre on Papua New Guinea where it said many lack medical and mental healthcare.

The refugees – many from Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar – were removed from a holding camp in the remote Papua New Guinea island of Manus in November when Australia decided to close it.

Australia’s government – whose policy of holding asylum-seekers in offshore camps has bipartisan political support – has said the centre that the group was moved to on the island was adequate and that the Papua New Guinea government was responsible for running it.

But Rico Salcedo, UNHCR regional protection officer, told journalists yesterday the Canberra government had a duty under international law to take responsibility for the 800 who had been seeking sanctuary in Australia.

“What stood out the most from this mission ... was a pervasive and worsening sense of despair among refugees and asylum seekers,” he said after returning from Manus Island.

“Australia remains ultimately responsible as the state from whom refugees and asylum seekers have sought international protection for their welfare,” he added. – Reuters

Geneva