Canberra - Rights group Amnesty has said that Australia is in "serious breach of its international obligations" after visiting a camp for asylum-seekers on the Pacific island of Nauru. The camp set up by Australia to house asylum-seekers was "appalling" and likely in breach of its obligations to refugees,Amnesty said today. Australia began sending asylum-seekers to Nauru in September as part of a new policy of processing boat people offshore to deter others from making the risky sea journey Down Under which has claimed hundreds of lives.
The government says all refugees are treated humanely but Amnesty Australia's Graham Thom, who visited Nauru this week, said the 386 men held on the island were in "extremely harsh" conditions. He said they slept in tents crowded with some 15 other men which leaked when it rained. "I think it is fair to say that Australia is again in serious breach of its international obligations," Thom told AFP news agency as Amnesty released a report Friday on the Nauru camp. "These are appalling conditions and they are completely unacceptable for vulnerable people, many of who have suffered torture and trauma." Amnesty, which wants Canberra to close the Nauru centre, described the situation on the rocky island as a toxic mix of uncertainty, unlawful detention and inhumane conditions. It said the island camp failed to give the men appropriate accommodation, freedom of movement, or any sort of process to address their claims for asylum, and could result in serious mental trauma or even death. (FA)
