A refugee stranded on Nauru says he's terrified of contracting Covid-19 as the virus spreads throughout the community.
It comes as rights groups call for the Australian and New Zealand governments to evacuate the remaining refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru due to the spread of the disease.
Since Covid arrived in Nauru last month about a third of the population has come down with it, and there has been one death.
Hassan Ghahramani is fearful of contracting covid due to ongoing health issues and wants his resettlement to be sped up.
The 48-year-old is living on bread and tea under 'semi lockdown' conditions imposed by the Nauru government.
Hassan Ghahramani with a loaf of mouldy bread Photo: Supplied
His voice broke as he spoke about his family who he is not able to support and is struggling.
He arrived on Christmas Island in July 2013; he was sent to Manus Island in January 2014.
While on Manus, Ghahramani developed physical and mental health issues.
He was transferred to Nauru in November 2019. Then, due to the lack of medical treatment on both Manus and Nauru, he was transferred to Australia to undergo heart surgery a year later.
"I am very scared of Covid because of my heart problem. I don't want to become the next victim who dies in Australia's offshore processing centre. I still hope of settling in a third country and reuniting with my family which is patiently waiting for me," Ghahramani said.
After nine years of detention by Australia he is awaiting resettlement to Canada.
Ghahramani said he was accepted to be resettled in Canada two years ago.
A volunteer for the refugee network in Canada Ads Up said the country's refugee application processing system is gridlocked.
"It essentially shut down during the pandemic, and is now dealing with the urgent Afghan and Ukrainian refugee matters. The refugees on Nauru are falling through the cracks," Kate Dalgleish said.
"The ones with Canadian applications aren't eligible for resettlement through New Zealand's offer, but with Canada moving so slowly, the refugees that saw hope in Canada are stuck in limbo. They've been waiting for years."
Hassan Ghahramani on a plane Photo: Supplied
Urgent evacuation needed demands rights group
Refugee Action Coalition's Ian Rintoul, who has been an advocate for two decades, said the hospital on Nauru is not well equipped and he fears refugees will die if no action is taken.
"Over the last week we have been growing very very concerned because the number of cases in Nauru have just exploded," he said.
Rintoul said the situation is impacting heavily on both refugees and asylum seekers.
"Some of them have been hospitalised in circumstances where the resources of the Nauruan hospital are nothing like what is necessary to deal with a serious outbreak," he said.
Rintoul is calling on both the Australian and New Zealand governments to urgently evacuate all detainees from Nauru under emergency circumstances due to Covid-19.
"It is an emergency situation. People can be transferred in an emergency situation overnight to New Zealand to get the care and security they need," he said.
Earlier this year, the then New Zealand Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced an agreement had been struck with Canberra for New Zealand to receive up to 150 refugees a year, a combination of those detained on Nauru and those who have been transferred from Nauru and Manus Island to Australia.
This came after more than nine years since the offer was first flagged.
The Sydney-based Refugee Action Coalition said it is a sluggish process and not not much progress has been made.
Situation has 'become urgent'
Rintoul said in recent weeks the situation has escalated. He said there is a compounding sense of urgency with the threat of Covid-19 layered on top of years of mistreatment.
He understands detainees have contracted covid-19 and some have been hospitalised.
Rintoul said New Zealand's intentions are good but the government needs to act with urgency.
Hassan Ghahramani knows first hand how serious it is.
"But unfortunately, Australia and Nauru government takes refugees hostage. More than five years ago all my friends were going to Canada but unfortunately I am still here."
RNZ Pacific has requested a statement from Nauru's Government regarding the impact of Covid-19 on detainees, how many detainees have contracted the virus and how many have been hospitalised.
RNZ Pacific has also approached both the New Zealand and Australia Immigration Ministers, on what support they are providing refugees and if they intend on moving people off the island.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's Immigration Minister Michael Wood was due to meet his Australian counterpart this week at the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum - where Nauru is expected to be high on the agenda.
A demonstration in Sydney in 2016 Photo: AFP
