UNHCR has released its second report onthe Manus Island Regional Processing Centre.
Since its last visitoUNHCR noted a number of improverments, including progress towards establishing a legal framework for processing, and some improverments inthe physical settings atthe Processing centre.
It also acknowledgedthe endeavours of staff on site to assist asylum-seekers living onsite.
However, UNHCR’s inspection revealed a number of shortcomings, including freedom of moverment.In UNHCHR’s view it is arbitrary detention.
With respect tothe legal rights of asylum-seekers, UNHCR observed thatowhile refugee status determination processing is set to start inthe near future, changes tPNG law and regulations are required to ensure a fair and efficient process is in place for all asylum-seekers inthe country.
