In his ‘State of the World’ address this week, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon warned of ‘turbulence’ ahead: ‘Not since the end of the Second World War have there been so many refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers’.
Asylum seekers on Nauru found to be refugees will now have the option of resettlement in Cambodia, after an agreement was reached with the Australian government. A memorandum of understanding outlined that the initial duration of the arrangement will be four years, for which Cambodia will receive $40 million in assistance from the Australian government.
Advocates and refugees in Nauru reported that news of the Cambodia deal resulted in seven children and teenagers attempting self-harm. The reports come amid an announcement by the government of Nauru that health, legal and other services may no longer be delivered to detained asylum seekers due to the country’s dire financial situation.
The Australian government will seek to reintroduce three-year temporary protection visas (TPVs) after a deal was struck between Immigration Minister Scott Morrison and Clive Palmer. Also negotiated in the deal was a five-year ‘safe haven enterprise visa’, which will require asylum seekers to work in designated regional areas for a period of time.
The Guardian obtained six letters written by gay asylum seekers on Manus Island, describing their fears of being resettled in Papua New Guinea, where homosexuality is illegal. Meanwhile, Greens Leader Kim Booth called for a billion dollar asylum seeker centre to be built in Tasmania to boost the economy and address human rights issues.