Human Rights Watch: Provide a Timeline for Closing the Manus Camp

Human Rights Watch has urged the government of Papua New Guinea to present a plan and timeline for closing the refugee camp on Manus Island during the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting this Friday. This human rights organization noted on Thursday, May 5, that the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council, dedicated to reviewing Papua New Guinea's record, is an opportunity for the PNG government to announce its intention to implement the ruling of the country's Supreme Court. Last week, the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea deemed the refugee camp on Manus Island contrary to the spirit of the country's constitution and called for its closure. Following this, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea announced that the camp would be closed, and therefore the Australian government must consider alternative measures regarding the detainees. However, Australia claims that the responsibility for this detention center, as well as the one on Nauru Island, lies with the government of Papua New Guinea, a position that has led to discussions between Australian and Papua New Guinean officials on this matter. Meanwhile, human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling and emphasized the need to close these camps. Elaine Pearson, the Australian director of Human Rights Watch, stated: 'Papua New Guinea must take immediate action to implement the Supreme Court's ruling and permanently close the Manus detention center.' She also added: 'PNG must coordinate with Australia or another third country to ensure that refugees are transferred to these countries and settled in a safe environment that respects their dignity.' Approximately 900 refugees are currently detained on Manus Island under very difficult living conditions, similar to those on Nauru Island. Recently, an Iranian refugee and a Somali refugee committed self-immolation in the Nauru detention center.