Arabic version: محتجزون في ناورو يبلغون عن نقص في الغذاء والمياه
According to SBS News, asylum seekers required to live in the Nauru community say Australian government support is insufficient for food, water and other basic needs. A new report by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre says high living costs and low income support are leaving people unable to afford enough to eat.
The report interviewed 78 people. It found that 99 per cent said their current allowance could not buy enough food, while 68 per cent said they rarely or never had access to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. Another 82 per cent said they did not have easy access to free, clean drinking water.
Community detainees receive $260 a fortnight to cover basic needs outside accommodation. People interviewed anonymously said they were forced to choose between food and essentials including clothing and internet access, with many running out of money before their next payment. One person said, “With food we have to compromise, if you buy vegetables you can’t afford rice. If you buy meat, you can’t afford fruit.”
Nauru faces food insecurity because of its remote location and limited local agriculture. Perishable food is flown in weekly and can sell out quickly or be too expensive, while water shortages are common during low rainfall. As of 31 May, 101 people were seeking asylum in Nauru, including 91 in community accommodation. The asylum seekers are separate from the NZYQ cohort of former immigration detainees sent from Australia.
