DHAKA: Two leading international campaign groups claimed that the Australian government has a deliberate policy of ignoring abuse of asylum seekers.

Australia transports asylum seekers who arrive by boat to off-shore processing centers in Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International conducted extensive interviews on Nauru and said Australia had condoned severe abuse there, BBC reports on Wednesday (August 3).

Australia’s government said that it was not given a chance to address the claims.

In a report written after an incognito visit to Nauru last month, the organizations said that Australia’s actions seemed designed to discourage other migrants from attempting to get to Australia.

Interviews with 84 refugees and asylum seekers, unearthed claims of being raped and assaulted at the hand of Nauruan locals, inadequate medical care and cramped, uncomfortable living conditions were also added by them.

The detention centre at Nauru is run by a company called Broadspectrum and medical services are provided by International Health and Medical Services.

Both companies have a contract with the Australian government.

BDST: 1533 HRS, AUG 03, 2016
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