Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Life-Saving Action for Refugees in Medical Need Welcomed
Canberra, 13 February 2019
UNHCR Welcomes Life-Saving Action for Refugees in Medical Need
UNHCR,
the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the action taken by the
Parliament of Australia today to address critical medical
needs of refugees and asylum-seekers under Australia's
'offshore processing'.
The legislation foresees that upon the recommendation of two treating doctors, those requiring medical treatment that is not available in Papua New Guinea and Nauru will be medically evacuated to Australia. The process required under the law as now passed gives due weight to the professional opinion of independent medical practitioners.
“Ensuring access to adequate medical care for refugees and asylum-seekers is a life-saving, humanitarian act,” said Louise Aubin, Regional Representative for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Canberra.
While the application of these amendments will become clearer in the coming days, it is UNHCR’s hope that refugees and asylum-seekers will receive the urgent medical treatment they need by immediate transfer to Australia under the new legislation. Medical care for all refugees and asylum-seekers should now be prioritized, commensurate to their most fundamental human needs.
Global Strategic Communications Council: One Year After Signing The Tripling Pledge, Governments’ Targets Are Unchanged, Even As Solar’s Prospects Are Upgraded
UN Climate Change: Financing The Future - Vera Songwe’s Vision For A Climate And Growth Agenda At COP29
Glasgow Actions: At COP29, Global Activists Urge Strong Climate Finance Deal By Transforming Baku's Olympic Stadium Into Call For Action
Climate Action Network: COP29 - Repression Epidemic Regarding Climate Activists And Human Rights Defenders
Demand Climate Justice DCJ: Climate Justice Groups Condemn COP29’s Carbon Markets Decision - Corporate Profits vs People’s Interests
UN News: COP29 - Push For Agreement On A New Climate Finance Deal ‘Right From The Start’