Most female residents of Lombrum Naval Base in Manus feel unsafe because of constant verbal abuse by refugees, claims a resident.
The female resident, who did not want to be named, said mothers and daughters of PNGDF Naval officers also get intimidated by refugees when they come out of the Regional Processing Centre.
“These men had been behind the fence for almost four years and the way they act and talk when they pass women is close to sexual harassment,” she said.
Also, the behaviour of these refugees got the ire of Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, who told Parliament last week that their safety is not guaranteed when they are outside because of their behaviour towards locals.
Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato said: “Acting chief migration officer will be travelling to Manus to see that any orders from PNG Immigration and Court is not breached and also, in the best spirit of agreement we have with Australia and UN refugee laws.”
The refugees are free to leave the processing centre because of the Supreme Court ruling in 2016 stating that their detention infringes on their rights under the PNG Constitution.
Picture source: SBS