Solidarity with offshore detainees

Former Vietnamese refugee Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM says he is concerned for the health and safety of a group of asylum seekers after Australia’s High Court cleared the way for the Government to return them to a migrant detention camp on the Pacific island nation of Nauru, writes Mark Brolly.

Bishop Long, the Australian bishops’ delegate for refugees, who himself arrived in Australia in 1980 as a boat person, said that the Government’s current approach was harsh and should change. The court decision on 3 February will directly affect 267 people including 37 babies who were born in Australia. Most of the group were moved from Nauru to Australia because they were suffering from serious medical conditions.

“I urge the Australian Government to ensure that no child is subject to an unsafe and harmful environment and that no one is returned to where they may face physical, psychological and sexual violence and harm,” Bishop Long said.

He along with Catholic agencies and other church groups offered sanctuary and medical and other support to the asylum seekers.