As the deadline for the closure looms, Manus refugees are this evening (Monday 30 October) securing the recently damaged perimeter fence against possible attacks (see photo).
Meals are no longer available in the centre. Refugees have only been given meagre food packs for their three meals today. Some refugees have been left hungry.
The last food packs are scheduled to be issued inside the detention centre tomorrow morning, Tuesday 31 October.
“Fears are rising inside the detention centre,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“On the one hand is the fear that, as so often has been the case, Border Force and the PNG police will use force against them. On the other there is the fear that they will be vulnerable to the violence and threats that has seen so many of them robbed, bashed, and attacked with knives and machetes. They have been warned, if you move to Hillside, you will be killed.
“Outside they will also be deprived of medical and other support with no hope of a secure future. No one has explained where over 600 people are going to find enough food in Lorengau.”
But the refugees are very resolved not to move. One refugee told the Refugee Action Coalition, “It doesn’t matter if the Australians walk away from the detention centre, we are not going to leave.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
