The US President has committed to honour a deal with Australia to take refugees from Manus Island and Nauru - even as his ban against refugees, migrants and visitors from some Muslim-majority countries is enforced.
US President Donald Trump Photo: AFP
Media reports suggest that US President Donald Trump has today told Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that he will not quash the US refugee deal, but simple and important questions about the detail of the arrangements remain unanswered.
The two leaders reportedly also committed to work together to improve global stability, defeat Islamic State and prevent irregular and illegal immigration.
Shortly afterwards, the White House tweeted a photo of the call and released a statement.
.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump- speaking with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull from the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/6rDjoygXDD
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 28, 2017
It said both leaders emphasised the enduring strength and closeness of the US-Australia relationship that is critical for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
But Mr Turnbull has yet to address the US travel ban on those from Muslim-majority countries, or the separate ban on all refugee resettlement, since the executive order was imposed last week.
Human Rights Law Centre Director of Legal Advocacy, Daniel Webb, welcomed the news that the deal may still be alive but called on Mr Turnbull to clarify plans to ensure safety for all.
"The US deal may still have a pulse, but it's not a plan. It's been months since the US refugee deal was announced and there are still no numbers, no timeframes, no information about reuniting families who have been separated and no detail about what our government will do to ensure safety for those likely to be left behind," said Mr Webb.
Mr Trump's executive order to close America's borders to travellers from some Muslim-majority countries suspends entry to the US for all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely for those from Syria.
The Manus Island detention centre. Photo: Behrouz Boochani
All entries by people from Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen have been suspended for 90 days, including valid visa-holders and legal residents.
Of the refugees held on Manus and Nauru, Iranian refugees make up the largest group.
There are also significant Iraqi, Sudanese and Somali numbers among the detainees.
