Durable solutions urgently needed for those on Manus and Nauru

Today, organisations across the country are calling for the urgent return to Australia of all people sent offshore to Nauru and Manus Island, in a statement released by the Refugee Council of Australia.   

As a matter of international law, Australia is responsible for ensuring that the human rights of those transferred to regional processing countries are respected. However, more than four years after offshore processing in Nauru and Papua New Guinea was re-established in 2012, and despite the fact that many have been recognised as refugees, people transferred from Australia continue to suffer violations of their fundamental rights, and lack clarity about their futures. It is well documented that this limbo and uncertainty has resulted in serious harm, including extensive mental health problems.

With the US-Australia resettlement deal in serious doubt, the unsustainable nature of the policy of offshore processing is abundantly clear. As noted in the Kaldor Centre's recent report, Where to from here, humane and durable solutions must rapidly be found for those offshore, in accordance with international standards.