Mental Health on Manus: Still in Crisis Mode

The election victory of the Coalition in May has reportedly contributed to increasing distress on Manus Island, with a number of people taking their own life following the result.

Deteriorating mental health among refugees on the island has worsened, with many feeling the hope for their resettlement in Australia is lost.

Refugee action groups have taken the opportunity to raise concern over the widespread sense of despair and hopelessness on the island, a consequence of depleted conditions, cruel treatment and subpar medical facilities.

Calls to bring an end to Australia’s off-shore processing policy are at an all time high, with analysts arguing there is no evidence to prove that the policy will put an end to illegal people-smuggling on Australian shores.

Tess spoke with Ian Rintoul, from the Refugee Action Coalition to find out the extent of the crisis.