[Greens-Media] Children at risk: leaked report details shocking mental health disaster on Nauru

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 30 May 2014

Children at risk: leaked report details shocking mental health disaster on Nauru

More than 200 children on Nauru are being exposed to serious mental health trauma, the potential for physical sexual abuse and an outbreak of Tuberculosis a leaked government report<http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/30/nauru-detention-serious-health-risks-to-children-revealed-in-confidential-report> has revealed.

"There is a mental health crisis in the Nauru detention camp and the Abbott Government is responsible," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"This damning report reveals the truth of Nauru and the horrific conditions that children are being exposed to on a daily basis.

"There is no paediatric life support on the island and conditions in the Nauru Hospital are clearly unacceptable."

Photos taken in December* show the true condition of the maternity and paediatric wards in the local hospital. At the time the Coalition described the health facilities available to refugees as 'more than adequate' and 'of a high standard'.

"I'm very concerned that local employees are not given child protection checks before working in the centre, potentially exposing children to sexual assault. I am especially concerned for the 24 unaccompanied children who are there right now," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"The government's 48-hour rapid transfer system is reckless and must be stopped. By intentionally putting unaccompanied children at risk, the Immigration Minister has failed as their legal guardian.

"All children on Nauru must immediately be brought back to the mainland where they will be safe."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


*Photos are attached


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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