10 Dec 2018

Australia accused of crimes against humanity on Nauru and Manus

From , 3:05 pm on 10 December 2018

Refugees in Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island are accusing the Australian government of torture and crimes against humanity.

The non profit National Justice Project today filed two class actions in the High Court covering all those remaining in Nauru and Manus. 

It's also alleged the refugees have been subjected to, severe deprivation of physical liberty and inadequate conditions. 

The refugees say they have been arbitrarily imprisoned and denied access to proper medical assessment and treatment. 

The groups from Nauru and Manus are seeking injunctions to stop the alleged breaches of Australia's duty of care as well as damages. 

Mackenzie Smith spoke with National Justice Project lawyer George Newhouse. 

A refugee protest at the East Lorengau Tranist Centre, 24-11-18.

A refugee protest at the East Lorengau Tranist Centre, 24-11-18. Photo: Behrouz Boochani