"All remaining refugees on Manus Island can relocate to Port Moresby, the Papua New Guinean government has said, offering to continue providing accommodation and health services in the capital city.
According to refugees on Manus Island, notices were issued on Monday informing the 120 or so men left on the island of the offer, which has been cautiously welcomed by Amnesty International.
“Refugees who transfer to Port Moresby will continue to receive services like those currently available to them,” it said.
“Relocation to Port Moresby is not permanent settlement in PNG. [The Immigration and Citizenship Authority] continues to encourage refugees to consider settling in PNG.”
"Graham Thom, refugee coordinator at Amnesty International Australia, said the PNG government was “ultimately doing the right thing”, but expressed concern and called for greater clarity.
“It is vital that there is a long-term plan for these refugees and that their rights are protected. We still have concerns about the men’s safety in the community. Refugees have been targeted in the past and Port Moresby continues to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world,” said Thom."
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