Republic of Nauru
Head of state and government: Baron Waqa

Asylum-seekers were arbitrarily detained in harsh conditions in accordance with an agreement with the Australian government. The arbitrary removal of judges and suspension of parliamentarians raised concerns about the rule of law and freedom of expression.

Refugees and asylum-seekers

As a small island nation, Nauru had limited capacity to meet the needs of its own population, including the rights to adequate housing, access to clean drinking water, education, health care and employment. The presence of refugees placed a significant strain on already limited resources.

As at 30 June 2014, there were 1,169 asylum-seekers in the Australian-run immigration detention centre on Nauru, including 193 children and 289 women. A total of 168 people who had received positive refugee assessments were accommodated separately.

At least 61 asylum-seekers were awaiting trial on charges relating to a disturbance at the detention centre in July 2013. There were concerns over fair trial rights for these asylum-seekers, including around inadequate legal representation and delays in court proceedings.

Asylum-seeking children were particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to arbitrary and prolonged detention, lack of meaningful activities and inadequate provision for education. Allegations of physical and sexual abuse were made by asylum-seekers, but it was not clear what measures, if any, were taken by Australian or Nauruan authorities to investigate. Intolerable conditions in detention created a risk of refoulement, in cases where detainees felt they had no option but to return to a place where their lives or human rights were at risk.

In April 2014, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and Amnesty International were both refused access to the immigration detention centre.[1]

Justice system

In January, Nauru's only Magistrate and Chief Justice were effectively dismissed by the government, raising concerns around the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

Freedom of expression

In June, five opposition MPs were suspended for being critical of the government and speaking to foreign media. The MPs remained suspended at the end of the year, reducing the number of sitting parliamentarians from 19 to 14.

Increased visa fees for journalists from US$183 to US$7,328 limited the ability of foreign media to visit and report on events in Nauru.

1. Nauru's refusal of access to detention centre another attempt to hide conditions (NWS 11/081/2014) www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/nauru-s-refusal-access-detention-centre-another-attempt-hide-conditions-201

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