First Deportation under Secret Nauru Deal Sparks Outcry
Human rights organisations have strongly condemned the Albanese Government’s initial deportation to Nauru under its new secretive offshore agreement, describing it as a disgraceful violation of Australia’s principles of fairness, equality, and justice.
This marks the first known deportation under the Government’s expanded Nauru policy — a covert, multi-billion-dollar arrangement permitting the offshore banishment of migrants and refugees.
Official Confirmation and Concerns
Earlier, it was reported that Nauru’s President, David Adeang, informed the Nauruan Parliament last Friday about the arrival of the first person transferred under the new offshore detention agreement.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, which advocates for asylum seekers held on Nauru, has received reports about the individual’s arrival but has not been able to verify or contact them directly. The organisation expressed grave concern for the person’s wellbeing, safety, and current location.
Details of the Nauru Deal and Legal Implications
The Albanese Government arranged this secret deal with Nauru, targeting the transfer of migrants and refugees classified in the so-called NZYQ cohort. The agreement was ratified alongside new legislation permitting deportations without requiring assessment of potential consequences, such as:
- Risk of death due to lack of adequate medical care
- Permanent family separation
- Exposure to persecution in Nauru
"A shameful breach of Australia’s values of fairness, equality and justice."
Author's summary: The Albanese Government’s covert Nauru deportation deal raises serious human rights concerns about safety, medical care, and family separation for those transferred offshore.