Asylum seeker at Manus Island attempts suicide

A leaked Transfield situation report (SITREP) says an asylum seeker on Manus Island attempted suicide on 28 May.

I reported this on 28 May.

The SITREP states the asylum seeker jumped from the top of an accommodation block attached to a makeshift noose.

The SITREP says “Two SSAs* supported [asylum seeker’s] body weight and assisted him to the ground and removed the noose.”

The SITREP says the asylum seeker was attended to by IHMS and cleared of injury. He was then placed on High Whiskey Watch (arm’s length).

The SITREP says “a Use of Force incident occurred in relation to the above incident when two SSAs were escorting [the asylum seeker who attempted suicide] from IHMS to the SAA*.”

The SITREP does not define what the “use of force” refers to. It only states that “an SSA verbally directed [asylum seeker] to continue to the SAA.” It continues “[Asylum seeker] was redirected towards the SAA where he was released to the BMT.”

The SITREP also states “There continues to be limited interaction from Transferees with Security personnel concerning the Slater and Gordon notices.”

The SITREP states there were 13 asylum seekers on a Behaviour Management Plan as of 29 May.

The SITREP states “78 Transferees are subject to ‘Comparable Measures’ protocols” as of 29 May.

Comparable measures applies to asylum seekers who have received their final refugee determination and refuse to move to the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre. Their access to medical care, phone, the Internet, and the points system is restricted to pressure them to move.

The SITREP lists the following “key events and activities”:

• Proceeding in PNG High Court for Justice Canning’s Human Rights Inquiry
• ‘Comparable Measures’ —“Limitations to some services apply for Transferees who, despite being found to be refugees, refuse to relocate to ELTC.
• Reza Barati Cour Case — “Cout proceedings to recommence into the Reza Barati murder trial.”
• Slater and Gordon Class Action

*SSA: Transfield Safety and Security Advisor
*SAA: Supported Accommodation Area

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