World Immigration News

(ABC NEWS)Concerns over asylum-seeker welfare at Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre

Release Date: 2025-04-03
Media: ABC NEWS
Summary: Advocates for asylum seekers have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees at the Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre after a fire broke out at the facility. The Australian Border Force (ABF) reported that a small blaze started in a common area around 2 a.m. on Thursday, but emergency services quickly extinguished it, and detainees were moved to a different part of the center. No injuries were reported, though one compound suffered significant damage.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) expressed concerns about the detainees' welfare, particularly regarding inadequate healthcare. ASRC's Catherine Holbeche mentioned that a detainee in the high-security north compound was experiencing serious chest pains, but no ambulance was provided, causing frustration that escalated into a riot. She emphasized that the detainees felt dehumanized and lacked basic dignity, such as proper medical care.

The ABF confirmed an ambulance was called and attended the scene but denied that access was denied. However, some detainees reported being forced to sleep outside in the cold without access to toilets after the fire, which further fueled their dissatisfaction.

Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the fire, but by the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already been extinguished, and the situation was under control.
Tags: Australia

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