Children on Nauru in harm’s way

#989 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 2 Nov 2014.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. Four unaccompanied minors aged between 15 and 17, granted refugee status and resettled on the Pacific island of Nauru, say a group of intoxicated local men assaulted them, threatening to kill them if they did not leave.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian government took no responsibility for the safety of asylum seekers resettled in Nauru, and the matter was in the hands of Nauruan authorities. The four children were admitted to hospital.

“We came from Afghanistan for peace, not for fighting,” one of the boys said.

There are about 30 unaccompanied minors now living in the Nauru community. It is not a suitable place for refugees to build a new life, and it is especially unsuitable for unaccompanied minors. This is one of many tragic effects of Australia’s border protection policy.

Mr Morrison’s war against asylum seekers continues.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.