Ruth Halbert
artist, weaver
Paper boat Rud.jpg

Blog: Dear Prime Minister

On July 30 2016 I started writing letters to the Prime Minister of Australia to protest against the imprisonment and torture of the asylum seekers in the offshore detention centres of Manus Island and Nauru. I started with the intention of writing a letter a day for every person in detention until they are all freed. There are more than 1800 asylum seekers in off shore detention. These are those letters and any response from Mr Turnbull.

Babies in danger

Dear Prime Minister,

Conditions for pregnant refugees on Nauru are inhumane. There is no pain relief during labour, only general anaesthetic for caesarians (which is dangerous for both mother and baby) and the birthing suite is dirty and lacks even basic equipment. Then the mother takes her newborn back to the mouldy family tent with gravel floor, no air-conditioning and no follow-up care. Infant mortality on Nauru is twice that of Australia.

Minister Dutton lies when his department says that all refugees receive 'clinically indicated health care, broadly consistent with Australian public health standards.'

Birth suite at Republic of Nauru hospital. 2018

Birth suite at Republic of Nauru hospital. 2018

These babies and their families are Australia's responsibility. Bring them here.

Ruth HalbertComment