The Greens have called for the immediate release of the 67 asylum seekers currently being held at Mantra Bell City in Preston to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection.
With the pandemic evolving every day and the need for a larger-scale lockdown imminent, it is critical that the most vulnerable members of our community are supported and protected throughout this crisis.
This includes the many asylum seekers being held in detention centres around the state.
The 67 asylum seekers being held at Mantra Bell City are currently distraught about their complete lack of protection from the virus. Their living conditions are far worse than in a detention centre and they are in close contact with multiple guards every week who have unregulated exposure to the virus.
There is only one lift in the hotel which is shared by hundreds of hotel patrons every day.
Most of the men have received no medical treatment despite some of them suffering with asthma or chronic lung conditions.
They know they will not survive if they contract the virus.
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, said it is important that the asylum seekers being held at Mantra Bell City – along with asylum seekers in detention centres around the state – are immediately released into community detention to ensure their safety amid the pandemic.
Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt, said that some of the asylum seekers had families already living within the community and that it is critical they be reunited with them.
As stated by Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC:
“During this pandemic it is critical that we support and protect those most vulnerable in our communities, and that needs to start with the immediate release of asylum seekers in detention who are at high risk of contracting the virus and dying.
“It is simply inhumane to allow dozens of asylum seekers to be held in poor living conditions away from their families while the virus continues to spread in Victoria.”
As stated by Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
“We’re better able to take on the coronavirus if we all work together, and that can’t happen if we leave people at heightened risk of catching it just because of their immigration status.
“Doctors say we should all be staying at home to limit the spread of coronavirus. Allowing these people to go home to their families isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s in line with doctors’ orders.”
