More Lankans on Nauru choose to return home

4 November 2012 09:04 am - 2 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Australian Immigration Department says 11 Sri Lankan men have chosen not to pursue their asylum claims.

Under Australia's new immigration laws, asylum seekers who arrive by boat are being sent to Nauru or Papua New Guinea's Manus Island for processing. Earlier this week a group of Iraqi and Iranian asylum seekers decided to return home rather than wait for their claims to be processed on Nauru.

There are currently 377 asylum seekers being held on Nauru under an agreement with the Australian Government. News of the latest departures comes as a hunger strike at the detention centre enters its fourth day.

'They'd rather die'
Asylum seekers taking part in the protest are calling for better treatment at Nauru and more information about when their claims will be processed.

A refugee advocacy group says the protesters are prepared to die for the cause.

The Refugee Action Coalition's spokesman, Ian Rintoul, has been in contact with asylum seekers on the island.

He says 300 people are refusing food and water, and 25 have collapsed and required medical treatment.

"They said rather than die day-by-day, they'd rather die fighting for their rights," he said.

Mr Rintoul says the hunger strikers have had no response from the Department of Immigration.

He says the department is risking lives by not responding to the demands of the asylum seekers.

"They want their processing to begin immediately, I don't know whether just seeing someone from the department would be sufficient," he said.

"I think that the Immigration Department would have something to say to them I think about how long they are going to be there and when their processing is going to start.

"So the ball, it's really in the minister's court in that respect."

A department spokesman has confirmed to the ABC that a peaceful protest is underway on Nauru and no one has yet been taken to hospital.

The department added it did not know exactly how many people are taking part in the hunger strike. (Radio Australia)

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Comments - 2

Lanka Lion - Sydney Sunday, 04 November 2012 10:33 AM

The Australian Government's decision to send the asylum seekers to Nauru in Papua New Guinea seems to be working to a great extent. Hope they are allowed to take all the goodies like Tv's. mobile phones, cigarettes etc with them alongwith A$ 3300 cash and a free air ticket to boot at the expense of the Australian Tax-payer.

Nodrog Monday, 05 November 2012 01:55 AM

Put this guys on TV to share their experiences and deter others from making the same mistakes.

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More Lankans on Nauru choose to return home

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