THE MID North Coast Refugee Support Group will hold an information evening in Kempsey today, when they hope to have a live phone hook-up to Manus Island.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The open meeting will be held at Kempsey Library, and will start at 5pm.
The gathering aims to draw attention to the plight of people sent to Manus Island and Nauru "just because they exercised their right to seek asylum in Australia", event organiser Christa Schwoebel told the Argus.
"This week marks six years of offshore detention on Manus Island and Nauru. Nearly all of the people held on Manus Island and Nauru over the last six years are recognised as refugees, and have waited in very difficult conditions for safe resettlement options," Ms Schwoebel said.
"Billions of dollars have been spent to maintain these arrangements where nearly 2000 people, including around 300 children, have suffered harm."
At the Kempsey meeting, there will be speakers who have been and are in close contact with the asylum seekers and refugees. They will give an insight into the conditions faced by the detainees.
Sign up here now for a free weekly newsletter from the Macleay Argus
"The situation is now urgent, with more than 90 acts of self-harm and suicide attempts in just four weeks after Australia's Federal Election," Ms Schwoebel said.
"The situation must be resolved - these people cannot be abandoned. This is a very sad chapter in Australia's history, one which must be brought to an end.
Wauchope resident Kathryn Parle will present at the meeting. She has worked for nine years as a torture and trauma counsellor and advocate with asylum seekers on Christmas Island, Nauru, in Darwin and in Melbourne.
Also making the news:
