Over 200 refugees from across Nauru rallied at the main refugee family camp, Anibare Lodge, on Friday 17 April, to reject Cambodia as any alternative to Nauru. (see photos attached; videos available on request.)
The demonstration in defiance of the a recent Nauru government decree requiring seven days notice, was held following media speculation that transfers of refugees from Nauru to Cambodia could be ‘as early as Monday 20 April’.
The “Settlement in Cambodia” factsheet being circulated by Australian immigration officers on Nauru declares that Cambodia does not have a problem ‘with violent crime or stray dogs,’ a clear reference to the some of the dangers facing refugees on Nauru.
The rally was just the latest in the on-going refugees’ campaign of non-cooperation with the detention regime on Nauru.
Alongside calls for “Justice,” the rally also declared, “Cambodia, never ever.” Immigration officers have been approaching both refugees and asylum seekers but there is still no confirmation that any refugee has signed to be sent to Cambodia.
“The demonstration is a very strong indication of what the vast majority of refugees on Nauru think of Cambodia as any destination for refugees,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition. “The government has wasted $40 million just to get Cambodia to sign an agreement with Australia. It is money that could have been spent resettling refugees and providing needed services in Australia that could have been used by the whole community.”
Thousands expected at ‘welcome refugees’ rally
A major “Welcome Refugees” rally will be held on Sunday, 19 April, 1pm, Belmore Park in Sydney (details below). Sydney’s rally follows the national rallies that drew thousands in Melbourne and Canberra on Palm Sunday.
The rally will call to, “Close Manus Island; Close Nauru.”
The rally comes in the wake of revelations that the previous Immigration Minister, Scott Morrison, covered-up information about sexual and physical abuse of women and children on Nauru.
The Supreme Court constitutional challenge to Manus Island detention and human rights abuses returns to the PNG Supreme Court in Port Moresby on Monday 20 April.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul mob 0417 275 713
Sydney welcome refugees rally and march:
“Close Nauru” and “Close Manus Island” are key demands of Sydney’s “Welcome Refugees” rally, Sunday, 19 April, 1pm, Belmore Park. The rally will march to Victoria Park.
Speakers include:
Graeme McGregor, Refugee Campaign Coordinator, Amnesty International Australia
Ged Kearney, President ACTU
Dr Sue Wareham, Medical Association for the Prevention of War
Kyol Blakeney, President Sydney Uni SRC
Lydia Shelly, Islamophobia Register
Shokufa Tahiri, Hazara refugee
