The news this week was dominated by the Covid-19 virus. In Australia 1,180 doctors signed a letter calling for the release of people from immigration detention. The letter outlined the risks to detainees and the broader community from any outbreak of the virus in immigration facilities. It was released publicly after discussions with the Department of Home Affairs reportedly broke down.
Meanwhile concerns were raised about Covid-19 risks to asylum seekers in PNG and Nauru. Around 430 asylum seekers remain there. The Catholic Brishops Conference (PNG) urged the PNG Health Minister to speak to the Australian Government amidst concerns about the local health system being able to cope with an outbreak. Around 50-60 were due to fly to the USA but the resettlement program has been suspended due to the pandemic. Canada sponsorship applications are still being processed administratively but transfers have been suspended. Around 180 men in PNG and Nauru were ineligible for USA resettlement or were rejected and have not received any informoation about options available to them.
The organisers of the annual Palm Island rally for refugees and asylum seekers have moved the rally online. The focus is on people in immigration detention and highlighting that social distancing measures cannot be practiced in detention. Various online activities are planned alongside activities that can be undertaken in the community in a way that conforms with rules around social distancing and crowds. The Department of Home Affairs stated that preventive measures have been put in place to keep detainees and staff safe and are constantly reviewed.