[Greens-Media] Nauru accusations dismissed before investigation starts

Fri Oct 3 11:15:53 EST 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 3 October 2014

Nauru accusations dismissed before investigation starts

It is extremely concerning to hear the Immigration Minister dismissing claims of sexual abuse of children in the Nauru detention centre before an independent investigation has even begun, the Australian Greens have said.

"This is a Minister that blames the victim and then shoots the messenger," the Greens' immigration spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"Reports of the toxic situation on Nauru have circulated for months and have come from multiple sources.

"Security staff, mental health staff and the refugees themselves have contacted my office and made extremely serious allegations in recent months. I welcome the fact that those report will finally be investigated.

"It's concerning that the Immigration Minister seems to be pre-judging the investigation. He should look into these claims before dismissing them.

"Save the Children do amazing work on Nauru. They're professionals with the sole mission of protecting children from harm and there is no reason to believe that reports have been fabricated.

"If there's one person who fabricates stories, let's not forget it was Scott Morrison who said Reza Barati was killed because he left the Manus centre. That was a lie.

"Save the Children have refuted the government's claims and it's important to remember that the Coalition has an unfortunate track record of cover-up and blame shifting."

Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760

NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

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