Media Release – Health report on Nauru reveals a profoundly unsafe environment

Health report on Nauru reveals a profoundly unsafe environment

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is gravely concerned for the health, safety and well-being of asylum seekers on Nauru, particularly children and pregnant women. A confidential report into health care at the Nauru detention centre reported by Guardian Australia reveals serious issues across neonatal care and children’s physical and mental health and welfare.

“It’s abundantly clear that conditions on Nauru are so exceedingly inadequate that the lives of children, babies and pregnant women are seriously at risk. Is the government going to stand by yet again and allow a tragic loss of life to occur?” said Pamela Curr, ASRC Detention Rights Advocate.

“The government’s deterrence approach is based on creating an environment that puts lives at risk. There is limited screening of communicable diseases, children are not appropriately immunised and they are reportedly at significant risk of sexual assault. These conditions are alarming and must not be ignored. The governments of Australia and Nauru are on notice and children must be immediately removed from this environment,” said Pamela.

The report reveals that there are no comprehensive child protection policies in place among any of the service providers and there is no pediatrician at the centre.

Women experiencing complications during pregnancy are flown to Australia, as there is no capability at the Nauru Hospital, which has only one incubator.

“Pregnant women should not be on Nauru. The chance of a maternal or infant fatality is greatly increased by the stresses of the environment; most pregnant women are suffering from depression. Complications could easily go unnoticed with transfer to Australia coming too late,” said Pamela.

The ASRC believes that this is further evidence of the serious dangers of offshore processing. It is clear the government are unable to provide even a basic level of care at these remote locations. In fact, they are places which are creating enormous risks to life and individual safety.

The ASRC notes the report is dated February. The Minister for Immigration, Scott Morrison, should immediately confirm what steps have been taken to address the serious issues raised by the panel of clinical experts.

It is clear Nauru is an unsafe environment, particularly for children and pregnant women. All people held at the Nauru detention centre should be brought to Australia for safe and efficient processing in the community.

A copy of the report can be found here:http://www.theguardian.com/world/interactive/2014/may/29/nauru-family-health-risks-report-in-full

Further information or comment:
Pamela Curr, Detention Rights Advocate – 0417 517 075
Serina McDuff, Director of Advocacy – 0451 411 479