• Press Release

Tragic death of refugee on Manus Island should have been prevented

August 7, 2017

SYDNEY TOWN HALL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 2016/02/08: Protesters at Town Hall Square gathered to demonstrate against offshore detention. With mounting public and political pressure against the Australian Federal Government an estimated 4000 protesters rallied at Sydney Town Hall to demonstrate their opposition to the deportation and detention of asylum seeker children to the offshore processing centers of Manus Island and Nauru. The protesters called for the abandonment of all offshore detention with the vocal message of 'let them stay'. (Photo by Richard Ashen/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) GI_ ID No 509063408
©Richard Ashen/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Responding to the news of the tragic death of an Iranian refugee on Manus Island, Graham Thom, Refugee Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia, said:

“This is extremely sad and heartbreaking news. Amnesty International is extending our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

“It is not yet clear if his death was a result of self-harm or violence. Irrespective of the cause, Australia must accept liability for the damage its cruel policies are causing refugees.

“This was a man who came seeking Australia’s protection, Amnesty International is gravely concerned that he was provided inadequate health care and that his safety was not the paramount consideration.

“This death is yet another bleak tragedy to arise out of the ongoing suffering and tensions on Manus Island. There must be an independent, impartial, prompt and effective investigation into his death.

“It is absolutely heartless of the Australian government to be playing politics with people’s lives – this must end now. Prime Minister Turnbull and Minister Dutton must immediately evacuate the offshore camps on Nauru and Manus, they must bring the people to safety in Australia now.”