The UNHCR appealed for the rethink of global humanitarian financing, as worldwide displacement numbers reach 51.2 million. Since the beginning of 2014, the number of asylum seekers in industrialised countries has increased by one quarter, to 330,700.
The UNHCR and international human rights organisations criticised Australia’s deal with Cambodia, which provides refugees on Nauru the option to resettle there.
The Australian government will launch an inquiry into misuse of official information by Save the Children workers on Nauru. CEO Paul Ronalds has denied the claims, while Greens Senator Sarah Hansen-Young has suggested the inquiry is intended to distract attention from investigation of claims of sexual abuse of children by guards. Data from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection shows that of the 1102 asylum seekers currently held in detention on Christmas Island, 128 children self-harmed between January 2013 and March 2014, while 89 adults did the same.
Outgoing administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean territories, Jon Stanhope, heavily criticised the government’s asylum policy. Former WA Liberal Party MP Barry Haase will replace Stanhope when his term ends next week.
Two asylum seekers alleged they were tortured after being returned to Sri Lanka by Australia. The Sri Lankan high commissioner to Australia rejected these, and other similar claims.
Expansion of the Manus Island detention centre has stopped amidst unrest among the local population in relation to its impact on the community.