Offer some hope to Nauru detainees, says O'Donoghue

31 December 2003

Patron of A Just Australia, Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE, today called on Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone to take action to end the hunger strike on Nauru.

Speaking from Adelaide, Miss O'Donoghue rejected criticism of A Just Australia, and urged Minister Vanstone to work with the organisation to find permanent solutions to the crisis, now beginning in its fourth week.

"Our National Director Howard Glenn has been putting proposals to end the hunger strike to Minister Vanstone since it began. Unfortunately there has been no response from the Minister.

"We are heartened to hear that the New Zealand Government will respond to any request for assistance from the Australian Government.

"We are also heartened to hear that the hunger strikers are only seeking agreement for a review of their claims for refugee status.

"If the Minister cannot deal with hunger strikers, let her begin reviewing the claims of the 146 adults and 93 children who are not on hunger strike. The UNHCR has agreed to review the claims of those who it has taken responsibility for, but that is only 263 of the 284 people there.

"Australia must find permanent solutions for these people off the island - before the desperate protests lead to further physical and mental damage, or even death.

"Showing a commitment to make progress may be enough to give the hunger strikers hope. Howard Glenn and Hassan Ghulam are prepared to travel to Nauru to encourage an end to the protest if there is any hope to be offered from the Minister", Miss O'Donoghue said.