THE Australian public has a right to know the truth about events on Manus Island given their taxes are channelled there, the Australian Catholic advocacy body for migrants and refugees has said.
“This means these asylum seekers are indirectly under the taxpayers’ care,” Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office national director Scalabrinian Father Maurizio Pettena said.
“Asylum seekers too have a right to information and to know their future prospects of resettlement, regardless of how they arrived on Australian shores.”
Since Tuesday, January 13, close to 700 asylum seekers have embarked on a hunger strike with 40 asylum seekers sewing their lips together and others reportedly swallowing razor blades.
Fifty-eight of the protestors are being held in Lorengau jail by Papua New Guinea police.
It is unclear whether they have been, or will be, charged with any offence.
Fr Pettena warned that the ongoing protests on Manus Island bear much similarity to last year’s occurrence on the island that escalated out of control and resulted in the death of young Iranian man Reza Barati.
“Protests will continue to occur on Manus Island,” he said.
“Asylum seeker claims need to be processed in an efficient and safe manner, leading to reasonable resettlement options.
“The Australian Government response to the protest is one of secrecy, denial and blame shifting.
“Asylum seekers protesting for their rights to freedom and a safeguarded future have been labelled as ‘irresponsible’ by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton.
“There is no excuse for keeping people detained for periods as long as 18 months.
“The frustration will boil over time and again and lead to further protests.”
More arrests of protest leaders were reported on Australia Day.
On Manus Island, where more than 1000 men are held, detainees made a sign wishing Australians “Happy Australia Day … and wishes of happiness, prosperity, and enjoyment of freedom”.
