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2018.10.08 16:58 GMT+8

MSF ordered to stop medical work in Nauru refugee camps

CGTN

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says it has been ordered to stop treating asylum seekers in Nauru for mental health problems, despite repeated UN criticism about dire conditions in the Pacific island's Australian-funded detention camps.

"The Nauruan government informed Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without borders that our services were 'no longer required' and requested that our activities cease within 24 hours," an MSF spokesman told AFP news agency in a statement over the weekend.

Nauru has come under fire over the treatment of asylum-seekers, including children, who are housed in Canberra-funded refugee detention camps under a controversial deal to prevent boat people setting foot on Australian shores.

Detainees say medical services in the camps are limited and habitually overwhelmed because so many inhabitants suffer from psychological illnesses. 

Demonstrators demand the humane treatment of asylum seekers and refugees in Manus and Nauru during a protest in Sydney, Australia, July 21, 2018. /Vcg Photo

A 2016 report by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child cited "inhuman and degrading treatment" of minors in the camp, "including physical, psychological and sexual abuse". 

A MSF spokesman said the charity was "extremely concerned that the health of our patients may be affected by this decision and urge the authorities to grant us permission to continue our lifesaving work".

There was no immediate comment from the Nauru government.

Australia's home affairs department said the decision was Nauru's to make, but added that Canberra "continues to provide appropriate healthcare and mental health support to refugees and asylum seekers through contracted service providers".

MSF's website says the charity has been providing psychological and psychiatric services on Nauru since late last year. 

"The lack of mental health support available affects both the Nauruan population and the asylum-seekers and refugees living on the island as part of the Australian government's policy of offshore processing," it said, citing cases of schizophrenia and "concerning levels of depression... especially among children."

Canberra denies mistreatment and says offshore processing is needed to prevent deaths occurring when asylum-seekers attempt the treacherous voyage to Australia in rickety boats.

(Top picture: A general view of refugee Camp Four on the Pacific island of Nauru, September 2, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP
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