Asylum-seekers get R673m payout in human rights victory

DETAINEES at an Australian asylum-seeker camp in Papua New Guinea won millions of dollars yesterday in compensation for degrading and cruel treatment in a decision hailed as an important human rights victory.

Abuse, self-harm and mental health problems are reportedly rife in offshore processing centres, with detainees resorting to desperate protests like sewing their own lips together to raise awareness of their plight.

Yesterday’s A$70-million (R673million) conditional settlement, to be shared by 1 905 people who have been held on Manus Island since 2012, averted a public trial against the government.

A class action had sought damages for what claimants said was suffering due to the harsh conditions in which they were held.

It also called for a payout for false imprisonment after the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruled last year that holding asylum-seekers on Manus Island was unconstitutional and illegal.

Law firm Slater and Gordon said they believed it was the largest human rights class action settlement in Australian history, with the defendants also agreeing to pay more than A$20-million (R192-million) in costs.

“The people detained on Manus Island have endured extremely hostile conditions, but they will no longer suffer in silence,” the firm’s Andrew Baker said.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the payout was not an admission of liability, but to avoid a costly six-month trial.

“In such circumstances, a settlement was considered a prudent outcome for Australian taxpayers,” he said.

“The Commonwealth strongly refutes the claims made in these proceedings.” – AFP