End offshore detention #365
July 29, 2017
Ruth Halbert
Dear Prime Minister,
On behalf of the 365th man on Manus Island, here is yet another warning of impending violence and ongoing suffering:
As the pressure increases on refugees to transfer to East Lorengau the relationship between them and the local people has been affected in significant ways. Locals have made it clear that under no circumstances will they tolerate refugees living in their community. This problem pertains mostly to the weak economic situation that plagues their society, in addition to the dynamics of local tribal culture and lifestyle.
In May an Iranian refugee was attacked and robbed by knife-wielding local youths. One week later an Afghan refugee was also attacked and had his property stolen. Then in late June a Bangladeshi refugee was set upon in a similar way and his elbow was badly cut with a knife. The injury was so extensive that he had to be taken to hospital in Port Moresby for emergency surgery.
This is a reality that cannot be denied: PNG is in no way safe for refugees. This is a fact that even the locals accept. In these precarious circumstances refugees are feeling extreme stress in anticipation of the closure of the prison camp. There is no safety whatsoever if they are left to live in the local community. But life in the Manus Island detention centre is becoming harder and harder with every day that passes.
Behrouz Boochani, https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2017/07/29/rising-tension-manus-island/15012504004995
We watch you do nothing to resolve this, Prime Minister. We see you under the control of Peter Dutton and Mike Pezzullo. We ask again that you bring all refugees in offshore detention to Australia.