An ex-guard at Christmas Island who remains unnamed shared his experiences while working at the detention centre. He says it was a dangerous place for the guards with assault and violence towards them. These instances were never reported for the sake of public perception. Families stayed together and single men separated. There were cases of men selling their young daughters for cigarettes and favours when they get out in the family centre. Some were just 'normal people' escaping war with criminals amongst them. He says that conditions aren't ideal, unsanitary and dangerous and detainees have better conditions than where the guards live. Guards are outnumbered and often beaten. He met good and bad people but says that the asylum seeker tally is significantly lower than those who are 'criminals'.
Detainees PerspectiveThere is a common theme of appalling treatment and conditions for those detained in the centre. The centre is described as concrete, steel, security doors and cameras and wire fences that presents many mental and physical issues in the detainees. They have no hope and are broken human beings due to the denial of basic human rights. They are full of loneliness, despair and fear and are kept in the dark about whats going to happen to them. Situations of extended lockdowns lasting around 24-hours at a time aren't uncommon with detainees being placed in 'wire cages' with no access to basic necessities. 'We feel like caged animals', 'we're being treated like animals.' They are shaking, unwell, cowed and scared pleading 'please get me out of here.' They live in complete misery and are powerless and helpless. Depression, anxiety and stress are common amongst detainees, especially those separated from family, friends and support. There is foul hygiene with claims of built up excrement and not being allowed cleaning products or toilet brushes. The Immigration Department disputed these claims saying the showers and toilets were cleaned once a day and cleaning products were available upon request. 'Detainees continue to receive services at least equal to, and often above those available to many Australians.' Concerns have been expressed that detainees will 'break' and commit suicide.
|