Another Asylum Seeker Has Died On Nauru
This is the 12th death in Australia's offshore detention centres. Shame on us.
Another asylum seeker has died on Nauru today. The circumstances of the death are unclear at this stage, and at the request of refugee advocates, his identity is being kept confidential until his family’s wishes can be ascertained.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre reports that the man is the 12th person to die in Australia’s offshore processing system, and the 5th on Nauru. The death comes just three weeks after another asylum seeker died on Manus Island, reportedly after jumping from a moving vehicle.
More blood on the hands of Peter Dutton. These deaths can not be ignored. Australia wake up! Stand against these murderers. 12 people killed by this system so far and there will be more soon if it’s not stopped immediately!#Manus
— Behrouz Boochani (@BehrouzBoochani) June 15, 2018
Asylum seeker advocacy organisations have been calling on the government to ensure adequate medical and mental health services are available in offshore processing, or for asylum seekers to be brought to Australia for care, for years.
“There are hundreds of people in urgent need of medical care to address complex conditions including major depression and suicidal ideation, who are being denied care under the Minister,” ASRC Detention Advocacy Manager Natasha Blucher said.
“We call on the Minister to evacuate everyone in offshore processing to Australia immediately to prevent more lives being lost.”
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the death.
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If you’d like to talk about any issues with your mental health and options getting long-term help, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.