Trigger warning: This post deals with suicide and self-harm and may be triggering for some readers.
Two asylum seekers have tried to kill themselves at the Manus Island detention centre but have reportedly survived.
The ABC has received video footage appearing to show two men attempting to hang themselves, but being stopped by others in the centre.
Asylum seekers say the attempted suicide happened in Mike compound.
“Many people have decided to do suicide… our situation is critical,” one asylum seeker said.
There are unconfirmed reports two men in Foxtrot compound swallowed nail cutters and another swallowed razor blades in separate acts of self-harm.
Protests and hunger strikes continue at the Australian-run centre over plans to resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea.
Earlier on Wednesday PNG’s government said weapons were not used by asylum seekers during a standoff with guards at the Manus Island detention centre on Monday, contradicting comments from Australia’s Immigration Minister.
Peter Dutton told the ABC’s 7:30 program on Tuesday that asylum seekers were armed with makeshift weapons when security guards forced entry into Delta compound to end a three-day blockade.
However, a PNG government spokesman told the ABC asylum seekers did not use weapons during the intervention.
The spokesman said police had found “weapons” during a later search of Delta compound, but was waiting for further information about what was found.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
This article originally appeared on ABC News, and has been republished here with full permission.
Top Comments
These people are NOT tourists, we do not know who they are. All those screaming for more compassion need to grow up and recognise that Australia has a commitment to the 23 million current citizens and not to these strangers. If we really want to stand up and fight for the rights of people, go and start looking in most Aged Care Facilities in australia.......australian citizens, ex tax payers, living in less than ideal situations with NO advocates.......or are australians owned aged citizens just not fashionable enough for the do-gooders
Surely its time for the refugee advocates and the greens etc to tell these people its over?, they are not coming to Australia no matter what and their behavior has 100% sealed that fact. They have been processed and they have been granted permanent asylum in Papua New Guinea, its time they were advised to take it and get on with their lives.
You are inhumanie, it is not to illegal to seek asylum the Australian government is perpetrating crimes against humanity and these brings are being deprived of basic human rights.
And how would that conversation go?
"I know it's legal for you to seek asylum, I know that we're supposed to help asylum seekers, I know we're so lucky not to be in your shoes and that we can't imagine the kind of hardships or horrors you're fleeing from....but we actually don't care.
We're going to break our international obligations and send you back. You're not Australian, and therefore you're more worseless. You don't deserve our help or our sympathy or compassion. You've had trauma in your past, therefore you should be grateful that we treat you inhumanely, because at least you're not getting shot at. Now fuck off and stop trying to seek asylum just because it's your legal and human right to do so. Bye!"
I can't understand what is wrong with some people.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/...
Better to be stuck on manus then one of the UN camps eh, at least they are taking the place genuine asylum seekers, or better still drowned by going by boat. (The Labor/Green way)