MEDIA RELEASE: Refugees in the Adelaide Immigration Transit Accommodation to be moved again
Ten Medevac refugees detained in the Adelaide Immigration Transit Accommodation (AITA), have learnt that they are to be moved again. They have had growing concerns for the past week, with these concerns being confirmed today. The men will be transferred to another detention facility, possibly to Melbourne.
The refugees had asked to be released from AITA after learning that more 501 visa holders would be transferred to AITA. The refugees have had growing concerns for their safety. 501 deportees are named after section 501 of Australia’s Migration Act. 501s are non-citizens about to be removed from Australia because of a criminal conviction.
“Refugee Voices condemn the transfer of detainees from Adelaide to Melbourne and the further damage caused by separating people from their partners and children”, said Refugee Voices CEO, Ahmad Hakim.
“These people have been found to be genuine refugees and have suffered over eight years of inhumane treatment at the hands of the Australian government. It is time to end this abuse of human rights so that they can heal and move on with the rest of their lives as best they can.”
One of the men, Hayder, was 15 years old when he was sent to the offshore processing centre on Nauru in 2013. Hayder met his wife on Nauru, who was also in the detention centre. Hayder and his wife now have a three-year-old child. The family has been separated since they were brought to Australia for medical treatment. Hayder’s wife and child live in community detention, while Hayder has been detained in AITA for a further two years. Hayder is only able to see his wife and child when they visit AITA. If Hayder is moved to Melbourne, he will be moved interstate, away from his wife and child. Hayder does not want to be further separated from his wife and child. He wants to live with his family. He wants to be released from detention.
Mohammad Sohrabi has also been detained at AITA for two years, after being brought to Australia for medical treatment. Mohammad has a partner in the community and does not want to be moved away. He wants to be released from detention. Mohammad wants ‘a safe home, to live and have a family, and start a new life.'
Advocates have been calling for the release of refugees detained at AITA, and all Medevac refugees held in detention across Australia. Members of the Adelaide community have held protests outside of AITA, protesting for the release of the refugees from AITA.
For interviews, please contact Refugee Voices CEO, Ahmad Hakim on 0457 449 222.
