The United Nations Refugee Agency has urged Australian and Papua New Guinean authorities to de-escalate tensions at the Manus Island detention centre.
Police in Papua New Guinea have removed some of the men who have been refusing to leave the decommissioned centre, citing fears for their safety at the transit centres in Lorengau.
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Volker Türk, urged Australia to fufil its obligation to provide effective protection, safety and lasting solutions for all refugees and asylum-seekers.
Protesters involved in action across Australia say the situation is unacceptable.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten is pleading with the government to allow New Zealand to take some refugees from Manus Island.
Mr Shorten says it could ease tensions on Manus.
