How many people are detained on Nauru?

As of 30 June 2016, there were 442 people detained in the regional processing centre in Nauru.                                                

Who are they?

There are 338 men, 55 women and 49 children.

The majority of transferees are from Iran (over 150).  The others are from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq Burma, India, Nepal, Somalia and Lebanon among others.  Some people are stateless.

Has their refugee status been assessed?  What was the outcome?

“As at 31 May 2016, of the 1,194 transferees who have had their claims for asylum assessed by the Nauruan Government, 915 (77%) had been found to be refugees.”

Why is Nauru not a viable place for resettlement?

With a population estimated at 10,200 in 2015, Nauru has a total land size of 21 square kilometres making it one of the smallest (240/257) countries in the world.

Given the land size of the country and the nation’s economic situation and lack of industry, it seems unreasonable to expect Nauru to accommodate the transferees from the processing centre into their society.

There is no industry, land or opportunity for the transferees to build a life on the island.  It is also questionable whether the island nation can support a population increase of over 4% with such limited land and resources.

In addition to these issues, the Government of Nauru has issues with procedural fairness and competence in the police force, for example.  It is understandable that Nauru, with its total population of 10,200, struggles to find a complete and competent group of people to service any industry or need.  These realities make it an unsafe place for any foreigner to live in, especially a traumatised and frightened refugee.