In a landmark decision, New Zealand’s offer to resettle 450 refugees held in Australia’s detention centers was finally accepted. Under the deal — which concerns those living in temporary processing facilities in Australia or in Nauru, a remote island nation — New Zealand will allow the entry of up to 150 people annually over three years. According to The Guardian, there are currently 1,168 refugees in Australia and another 112 refugees on Nauru who are eligible and will face the same rigorous screening procedures as all other asylum seekers coming into the country. Australia has long been criticized for its harsh treatment of refugees due to the unsanitary conditions of detention facilities and several mental health issues that arise, and consequently, many are pleased with New Zealand’s intervention.
Even though the island nation is small, New Zealand’s efforts are large and admirable. The Minister of Immigration, Kris Faafoi, said, “New Zealand has a long and proud history of refugee resettlement and this arrangement is another example of how we are fulfilling our humanitarian international commitment. We are pleased to be able to provide resettlement outcomes for refugees who would otherwise have continued to face uncertain futures.”
The deal was in limbo for almost ten years due to Australia’s fear that the refugees who gain citizenship in New Zealand would use it to move to Australia under the free-movement policy. Even now, the Australian office of Home Affairs released a strict statement saying refugees accepted from Nauru will never be allowed to settle in Australia: “This arrangement does not apply to anyone who attempts an illegal maritime journey to Australia in the future. [We] remain firm — illegal maritime arrivals will not settle here permanently. Anyone who attempts to breach our borders will be turned back or sent to Nauru.”
New Zealand is correct to step in and take some of Australia’s overflow of refugees. However, this deal should have been agreed to a long time ago — back in 2013 when it was first proposed. The suffering of refugees has only been prolonged since then. Fortunately, they will be provided with support after entering New Zealand, primarily by the Red Cross group. There is a push for implementing additional help for these refugees because of the long wait time they have faced. Australia has a duty to contribute by providing resources and funding to ensure the smooth transition of the refugees it unfairly housed for several years in the detention facilities.
Australia’s offshore detention facilities are highly controversial and while the Papua New Guinea location closed at the end of 2021, the Nauru location remains open. According to Human Rights Watch, seven people have committed suicide in the facilities with countless more attempts. Children have also been held for years and endured trauma that will stay with them for life. International communities need to unite and call for an end to such detention facilities, or at least designate them as a last resort.
Australia’s refusal to agree to New Zealand’s deal is frustrating for those fighting for refugee rights and refugees themselves. Now that the resettlement has been accepted, it will hopefully serve as the first step in reforming Australia’s harsh practices concerning asylum seekers. The Nauru detention facility needs to be shut down and its inhumanity is a stark contrast to New Zealand’s optimistic policies.
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