Médecins Sans Frontières , or Doctors Without Borders, says independent medical data shows Australia's offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru is directly causing a shocking level of mental harm.
The report, Indefinite Despair, says mental health suffering among asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru is among the worst M-S-F has ever seen around the world, including in projects providing care for victims of torture.
The report found that of the asylum seekers and refugees M-S-F treated, 60 percent had suicidal thoughts and 30 percent had attempted suicide.
It also found that 12 had developed resignation syndrome, where the person loses the will to live.
President of M-S-F Australia Stewart Condon says the level of mental health distress is directly related to Australia's offshore processing policy.
Meanwhile…
The member for Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps, has introduced a bill to parliament to provide urgent medical care for people held in off-shore detention.
The Migration Amendment Urgent Medical Treatment bill would allow for the temporary transfer of people held in offshore processing centres to be brought to Australia for medical assessment and treatment.
Ms Phelps says urgent action is needed as the medical crisis faced by asylum seekers worsens.
