Tensions soar as Australia's Manus Is immigration centre prepares to close

Tensions are high on Manus Island with refugee advocates fearing there could be loss of life when Australia's immigration centre closes.

Source: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

(Tue Oct 31) Papua New Guinea wants Australia to clarify what will happen to hundreds of men who are refusing to leave the centre, citing fears for their safety. Drinking water has been cut off and food rations are being handed out as hundreds of men prepare to stay in the centre on Manus Island amid fears for their safety. The centre is closing following a decision by Papua New Guinea's highest court in April last year which found detention of refugees and asylum seekers was "illegal" and "unconstitutional". Papua New Guinea's police commissioner last week warned the safety of refugees and workers at the Australian-run Manus Island regional processing centre "is not to be taken for granted" as authorities prepare to shut it down Commissioner Baki's statement said police would assist the immigration department to move "551 genuine refugees and 167 non-genuine refugees" to transit camps near the island's main town of Lorengau. A statement from PNG's Immigration Minister, Petrus Thomas, holds Australia responsible for any of them found not to be refugees, as well as for the refugees who are refusing to settle on Manus Island, until the last of the detainees is resettled.