Asylum Seekers Struggle to Survive on Nauru's Meager Allowance
Day by day, these individuals are forced to make impossible choices about how to spend their dwindling allowance. A $230 fortnight stipend is barely enough to cover the basics, but on an island where a bag of grapes costs $20 and a quarter-sliced watermelon $24, it's clear that something has to give.
The Australian government's policy prohibits asylum seekers from working, claiming it's to prevent them from accessing better-paid jobs. However, this effectively leaves them with no means to support themselves. Many are forced to turn to illicit work on construction sites or petrol stations just to put food on the table.
"We cannot survive on the $230 per fortnight allowance," says one asylum seeker, who wishes to remain anonymous. "The money is not enough because everything is expensive here – rice, fish, we cannot buy any fruit here, internet for $100 per month. How is it possible to survive?"
As a result, many are losing weight and suffering from poor health due to the lack of nutritious food. One asylum seeker confides that he can only afford two meals a day, and has even resorted to skipping breakfast in order to make ends meet.
A bag of grapes, which costs $20 on Nauru, is a luxury few can afford. A quarter-sliced watermelon retails for $24, while small boxes of cereal cost $15. The high prices are unsustainable for many asylum seekers, who are already struggling to cope with the lack of basic necessities.
The pressure on these vulnerable individuals is exacerbated by the threat of forcible deportation to a hostile country of origin if their protection claim is not accepted. Many fear that they will be returned to countries where they have fled persecution and violence, putting their lives at risk.
"It's unconscionable" says Ogy Simic, advocacy head of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, "that asylum seekers are being punished for doing what any of us would do in the same situation." He calls on Australia and Nauru to ensure that asylum seekers have access to work, food, and basic human dignity.
The UN human rights committee has also ruled that Australia remains responsible for upholding the non-refoulement rights of asylum seekers sent to Nauru. This raises serious questions about the morality of the Australian government's policy and its willingness to prioritize economic interests over human lives.
As the situation on Nauru continues to deteriorate, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the dire living conditions faced by these individuals. The Australian government must take immediate action to ensure that asylum seekers have access to basic necessities, including food, work opportunities, and protection from persecution. Anything less would be a betrayal of their human rights.
Day by day, these individuals are forced to make impossible choices about how to spend their dwindling allowance. A $230 fortnight stipend is barely enough to cover the basics, but on an island where a bag of grapes costs $20 and a quarter-sliced watermelon $24, it's clear that something has to give.
The Australian government's policy prohibits asylum seekers from working, claiming it's to prevent them from accessing better-paid jobs. However, this effectively leaves them with no means to support themselves. Many are forced to turn to illicit work on construction sites or petrol stations just to put food on the table.
"We cannot survive on the $230 per fortnight allowance," says one asylum seeker, who wishes to remain anonymous. "The money is not enough because everything is expensive here – rice, fish, we cannot buy any fruit here, internet for $100 per month. How is it possible to survive?"
As a result, many are losing weight and suffering from poor health due to the lack of nutritious food. One asylum seeker confides that he can only afford two meals a day, and has even resorted to skipping breakfast in order to make ends meet.
A bag of grapes, which costs $20 on Nauru, is a luxury few can afford. A quarter-sliced watermelon retails for $24, while small boxes of cereal cost $15. The high prices are unsustainable for many asylum seekers, who are already struggling to cope with the lack of basic necessities.
The pressure on these vulnerable individuals is exacerbated by the threat of forcible deportation to a hostile country of origin if their protection claim is not accepted. Many fear that they will be returned to countries where they have fled persecution and violence, putting their lives at risk.
"It's unconscionable" says Ogy Simic, advocacy head of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, "that asylum seekers are being punished for doing what any of us would do in the same situation." He calls on Australia and Nauru to ensure that asylum seekers have access to work, food, and basic human dignity.
The UN human rights committee has also ruled that Australia remains responsible for upholding the non-refoulement rights of asylum seekers sent to Nauru. This raises serious questions about the morality of the Australian government's policy and its willingness to prioritize economic interests over human lives.
As the situation on Nauru continues to deteriorate, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the dire living conditions faced by these individuals. The Australian government must take immediate action to ensure that asylum seekers have access to basic necessities, including food, work opportunities, and protection from persecution. Anything less would be a betrayal of their human rights.
! $230 fortnight stipend is not enough, especially when everything on the island is so expensive 
. It's like they're being forced to play a game of survival where they have to choose between eating or paying bills. How can you expect them to stay healthy with no nutritious food and high prices for basic stuff? 
It's unconscionable that Australia is treating asylum seekers this way, especially when there are so many resources available 
.
. And what really breaks my heart is the threat of deportation. If these people can't survive on the island because of the lack of basic necessities, what are they supposed to do when they get sent back to their countries? 
It's a nightmare scenario that needs to be addressed ASAP.
. We can't just sit back and watch people suffer because of a policy that's supposed to protect them 
$20 for grapes?! that's insane 
. Can u imagine havin to choose between eatin or payin rent? 
like, what even is that? 
I mean, I know Australia's not the cheapest country in the world but come on $100 a month for internet? 
what even is that kinda money? 
he's right, asylum seekers deserve basic human dignity and access to work and food 
. Like, it's not too much to ask for, right? 
And the UN's sayin that Australia's gotta uphold these non-refoulement rights so like, what's goin on? 
. Like, we should be supportin our fellow humans not discriminatin against them 
. Anything less would be soooo wrong 
... I mean, why should they just hand out free money to people who are trying to cheat the system? They're not exactly in a desperate situation, are they? 
They get $230 fortnight and can still afford all that fancy grapes and watermelon 
.
.
. I mean, why should these asylum seekers just get free money and everything they need? That's not how it works in real life. They came to Australia with no job skills or experience, so they're lucky if they can even find a part-time gig on Nauru. And yeah, $230 fortnight is basically the Aussie equivalent of minimum wage, but hey, you get what you pay for, right? If they want to survive, they'll have to hustle. It's not our problem, mate 
i feel so bad 4 the asylum seekers who r struggling 2 make ends meet 
we need 2 help them out ASAP 
it's not right that they r being punished 4 trying 2 escape persecution 
australia needs 2 take responsibility 4 their policy & ensure asylum seekers have access 2 work, food, & basic human dignity 
. We need to stand up for their human rights and make sure they have access to basic necessities, including food, work opportunities, and protection from harm 
. It's time for the Aussie gov't to take responsibility for its actions and do what's right 
. The average allowance of $230/fortnight barely covers the basics, let alone decent food or internet 
. Construction workers makin illicit cash on the side for survival...its sad but thats reality 
. We need to rethink our approach & prioritize basic human dignity 
. Its time we acknowledge the inhumane conditions ppl r facin & make changes ASAP 
.
. We need to step up and make sure these people have access to basic human dignity, food, and work opportunities. Anything less is just unacceptable 
.