RAR to hold demonstration today

MEMBERS and supporters of Rural Australians for Refugees will hold a rally in Torquay tonight (Thursday, August 16) in a demonstration of concern over those refugees still being held in offshore detention.

In a statement, John Bartlett from Surf Coast RAR said that “despite government assurances to the contrary, there are 120 children still being held on Nauru – and with a record of 12 deaths already in offshore detention and deteriorating health of others, local refugee advocates join other groups throughout Australia calling for an end to offshore detention”.

“Two refugees from Manus Island, facing critical illnesses, were last week belatedly rushed to medical attention, after a campaign of public and private pressure on the Australian government.

“Also last week, Queensland state coroner Terry Ryan found Australia responsible for the ‘preventable’ death of Hamid Kehazaei, who contracted a simple infection inside the Manus Island detention centre in 2014. A series of ‘multiple errors’ and ‘systemic failures’ caused his death, the coroner found.

“Local refugee advocates believe that now is a critical time to pressure the authorities for a more humane treatment of those in offshore detention.”

Today’s demonstration will be held at the corner of Darian Road and the Surf Coast Highway at 5.30pm.

Demonstrations will continue each Thursday until August 30.