Sunday 14 February 2016

Doctors defy gov and refuse to return baby to Nauru - risk 2yrs jail


*Update: videos below

Doctors in Brisbane say they are bound by their medical ethics not to release a baby back to Nauru as it's not a suitable environment for a baby to be in. The baby, called Asha, was injured and burnt in an accident in a tent in Nauru and is in Australia along with the parents being treated for her injuries.

The doctors now face a two year jail term under recent immigration laws passed in Canberra.
Refugee Action Collective’s Mark Gillespie previously said Asha’s parents were terrified at the prospect of being returned to Nauru. 

Doctors for Refugees spokesman Richard Kidd today said the doctors and nurses involved were distressed by the situation. 

“There’s overwhelming evidence that babies and children being put into detention does them great harm,” he said. 

“So for doctors and nurses we just can’t send children from hospital into a place where we know they’re going to be harmed.” 

Queensland Lawyers for Human Rights spokesman Benedict Coyne said the Government should intervene. 

“Clearly there’s a loud message from the Australian public and the community and it’s really up to the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Immigration Minister [Peter] Dutton to open their ears, eyes and their hearts to this message that Australian people want clear and concerted efforts to change the border protection policy,” Mr Coyne said. 

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young praised the actions of doctors and nurses involved in the case. 

“Of course they risk their own careers in this because the Government doesn’t like anyone speaking out of turn on this issue,” she said. 

“Doctors and nurses involved in the care of this child are risking two years jail for standing up for the rights and for the medical profession to be able to stand by their ethics.” The New Daily  



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