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PNG seeks closure of controversial Australian immigration processing center

Xinhua, March 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

Papua New Guinea's (PNG) prime minister on Wednesday said he hopes to see the closure of the controversial Manus Island immigration processing center as it has damaged his nation's reputation, however the timing was up to Australia.

Though the number of Asylum seekers trying to reach Australia pales in comparison to those arrive from Europe, the pacific nation hosts one of two Australian off-shore immigration processing centers, in an effort to stem the flow of asylum seeker boat arrivals by people smugglers following a spate of tragic deaths at sea. The other center is on Nauru.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday the government did not have the resources to cover the ongoing costs of refugee resettlement.

"At some stage of course we need to close the center, these people cannot remain on Manus forever," O'Neill said.

PNG runs the refugee status determination and resettlement process for the Manus Island detainees though private contractors hired by the Australian government run immigration processing and detention center.

However like all resource-based economies, the pacific nation has been battling the downturn in global commodity prices which have hit the nation's revenue hard.

Coupled with an ensuing El Nino induced drought, the central government has had to drastically cut healthcare and education spending, two key policy areas, while also signalling a restructure of the nation's public service.

O'Neill also said the nation's reputation has suffered as a result of hosting the Australian-run immigration center.

"Our communities have been accused of many things," O'Neill said, noting Manus Islanders were among the nicest people in the world.

Numerous sexual assaults have been alleged to have occurred at the Australian-run center, while Australian local media has also carried reports of assaults between asylum seekers and the local people.

Papua New Guinea Supreme Court has set a hearing date between April 25 and 29 to hear a constitutional challenge against Manus Island detention center over allegations the asylum seekers have been denied their rights under the nation's constitution. Endit