A UNHCR Statement reported of death of a Rohingya refugee at Australia’s Manus Refugee Detention Center, in Papua New Guinea today (May 22).
It stated; “The UN Refugee Agency, is profoundly saddened by the death of a Rohingya refugee on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, today.”
UN Refugee Agency says the tragic loss of yet another vulnerable person under Australian ‘offshore processing’ again underscores the need for proper care and immediate solutions.
“With the passage of too many years and the withdrawal or reduction of essential services, the already critical situation for refugees most in need continues to deteriorate,” said Nai Jit Lam, UNHCR’s Deputy Regional Representative in Canberra. “Australia’s responsibility for those who have sought its protection remains unchanged. Our thoughts and condolences are with the man’s family today.”
Following the death of this refugee on Manus Island, UNHCR renews its call for the Government of Australia to take immediate action to provide assistance and solutions, and to avert further harm and tragedy.
UNHCR says comprehensive, intensive support for refugees and asylum-seekers remains desperately needed in both Papua New Guinea and Nauru. It also claims that the national authorities of both countries lack the means and infrastructure to address growing needs.
EMTV Online understands the Manus Refugees Detention Centre was formally closed on 31 October 2017 in a joint decision by Australian and Papua New Guinean officials and all remaining men at the centre were moved to new accommodation.
