4 Dec 2017

New Manus centre's conditions harsh, says refugee

3:44 pm on 4 December 2017

A refugee on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island says detainees are still living in harsh conditions, ten days after most of them were moved to a new detention centre.

West Lorengau centre under construction in front of Hillside Haus, 24-11-17

West Lorengau centre under construction in front of Hillside Haus, 24-11-17 Photo: supplied

About 600 refugees had spent as long as four years detained by Australia at another, larger centre on Manus until that was officially shut down at the end of October.

Over three weeks later, PNG police had forcibly moved them all to three new accommodation facilities in Lorengau town.

According to the refugees and human rights organisations, the new facilities are inadequate.

Kurdish journalist and refugee, Behrouz Boochani, said conditions were worse than at the old centre.

Behrouz Boochani.

Behrouz Boochani. Photo: Behrouz Boochani

"The refugees are living in harsh conditions, worse than the old prison, because they are living with a lack of electricity and a lack of water. It's really hard for people."

Mr Boochani said refugees with health problems were also struggling with only limited access to medical care.

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