19 Jun 2017

Deportation looms for Manus detainees despite settlement

From , 5:04 am on 19 June 2017

A refugee advocate says the settlement reached by Manus Island detainees and the Australian government may not help the men avoid deportation.

About 2000 men will share $US53 million dollars after seeking damages for wrongful imprisonment and suffering.

The Manus Island detention centre is due to close by November but about 900 men are still there.

Confirmed refugees may be forced to settle in Papua New Guinea, while those not given refugee status could be sent back to the countries they fled.

The advocate Pamela Curr told Ben Robinson Drawbridge says there's been a range reactions to the settlement.

The Manus Island detention centre.

The Manus Island detention centre. Photo: Behrouz Boochani