Iranian refugee, 23, self-immolates; call for support for Iranian refugees in Australia

The Iranian Resistance declares its deep regret for the self-immolation of an Iranian refugee, 23, that occurred during a visit by a UNHCR delegation from a refugee camp in New Guinea.

This Iranian refugee, reported to be in dire condition, is among around 800 Iranian and Afghan refugees who had succeeded in reaching Australia but the Australian government, in breach of recognized refugee standards, has sent these refugees to Papua Islands in New Guinea.

The Supreme Court in Papua, New Guinea, issued a verdict on April 26 declaring Australian refugee camps on its soil in violation of New Guinea’s constitution and ordered the camps to be promptly closed. However, the Australian government announced that it shall not accept any of these refugees on its soil.

The Iranian Resistance calls on the international community, especially the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the European Union and its member states, to condemn Australia’s ill-treatment of Iranian refugees and their expulsion from its soil in flagrant violation of international conventions and covenants and it further urges political parties and organizations defending refugee rights and human rights in Australia to rush to the aid of these refugees and prevent pressures brought upon them and their refoulement to Iran.