Nauru

Good news: Immigration Minister Dutton: It's the least you could do

Campaign Update: Abyan has arrived in Australia for medical treatment and has thanked the Australians who rallied to ensure she was brought to the mainland for her termination procedure. 

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A 23 year-old refugee woman who has allegedly been raped on Nauru, and who is now pregnant as a result, is pleading with the Prime Minister to be allowed to come to Australia to have an abortion. But the government isn't responding to her request.1

The woman - being referred to as "Abyan" - is 11 weeks pregnant. Advocates say they have been appealing to the government to act since last week, but have had no response, and that "time is quickly running out... a traumatised and vulnerable woman's health and safety is at stake." 

We know consistent community campaigning has forced the government to act in situations like this before. Can you join the campaign calling on Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to urgently address this appalling situation - and help make the call for action so loud the government can't ignore it?

More information

The United Nations say it's actually illegal to have a termination on Nauru. Further, the hospital facilities and medical practitioners are not equipped to perform such a termination on the island.2

Horrifically, there's a precedent around this issue. Earlier this year a 23-year-old Iranian woman who was allegedly raped on Nauru was flown to Australia for medical treatment -- but it took authorities three weeks and imminent organ failure to transport her.3 We can't let this happen again. Abyan needs urgent access to medical and trauma support services.  

There is an epidemic of sexual violence on Nauru – with weekly reports of catastrophic sexual assaults of refugee women.4

Just weeks ago, Prime Minister Turnbull called violence against women is one of the great shames of Australia. He’s right. And part of that shame is the violence being perpetuated against refugee women on Nauru. Acting to ensure Abyan receives the urgent medical services and trauma support she needs would be a very small step in the right direction. 

More information

1. Refugee raped on Nauru begs Malcolm Turnbull to let her come to Australia for an abortion, The Age, 6 October 2015.

2. Shorten demands Government help alleged Nauru rape victim seeking abortion, ABC News, 8 October 2015.

3. Family of Iranian woman raped on Nauru at breaking point, say refugee advocates, ABC News, 5 October 2015.

4. When will the Turnbull government act on the sexual violence epidemic on Nauru? Daily Life, 7 October 2015.

4,153 SIGNATURES SO FAR

The Hon. Peter Dutton, MP,

We call on you to urgently act to ensure the woman known as Abyan is brought to Australia for appropriate medical treatment and trauma support.

Signed,

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Latest activity

David , 2104  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:10:20 +1100
"Because rape is a serious criminal offence. It should not be tolerated in a civil caring society. Any male who does displays serious flaws in his moral beliefs and behaviour- is that you Peter Dutton? So far your unwillingness to address the issue of the rape of Abyan certainly puts you in that camp.Act and bring the rapers to the justice they deserve."
Jan , 3199  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:09:34 +1100
"It’s bad enough that this woman is imprisoned on Nauru in the first place but to then be assaulted and left pregnant as a result is truly horrifying. We, as a nation, need to be thoroughly ashamed of our treatment of such vulnerable people, particularly the women. it’s imperative that decent and compassionate action is taken immediately. Show some decency Minister Dutton."
Shirley , 3150  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:06:03 +1100
"It is a matter of common human decency!"
Teresa , 2621  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:05:33 +1100
"I cannot believe that the Australian Government, including the relevent Minister, continues to behave in a way that is complicit in abusing and torturing a young woman in our care. This is unconscionable conduct, it is a war crime, and it’s being committed in our name by YOU. It’s got to stop Minister Dutton, you are the one responsible for getting us out of this mess."
Nan , 3477  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:03:51 +1100
"Australia must help this young woman-Abyan-Whether she decides against abortion or not is her decision-Either way help in Aust now- stop the violence"
P , 3206  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:01:21 +1100
Diane , 3926  /  signed 2015-10-08 14:00:37 +1100
"This absolutely outrages me, this government must allow this woman to exercise her right to have an abortion if she wants as a result of negligence of duty of care to protect her from harm. No person should be retained if the provision of safety for their well being can not be provided. The perpetrators should be removed from having access to women refugees & only women be in charge of their care."
Stella , 2431  /  signed 2015-10-08 13:59:50 +1100
"Australia is responsible for this woman’s condition so therefore it is our responsibility to see her safe. If nothing is done and this woman is forced to give birth to an unwanted child we Australians have exacerbated the issue and two lives will be damaged instead of one."
John , 0870  /  signed 2015-10-08 13:58:40 +1100
"Let’s be Fair Australia."
Kate , 2008  /  signed 2015-10-08 13:57:02 +1100
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