Refugees From Australia-run Detention Centre Arrive in Cambodia

Detainees from Australia-run detention centre in Nauru arrive in Cambodia post the resettlement deal.

First four detainees (hooded figures) from Nauru arrive in Cambodia. (Photo: Reuters)

A plane carrying four refugees from an Australian detention centre in Nauru landed in Cambodia on Thursday, airport officials said.

The plane has just landed, they have not checked out yet.
– Chuor Kimny, Police Chief, Phnom Penh international airport

These four are the only asylum seekers to take part in a controversial resettlement project between the two countries.

The refugees are three Iranians and one Rohingya – a mostly stateless Muslim minority residing in Myanmar – according to the Refugee Action Coalition in Australia. They were among the 677 detainees held on the Pacific Island of Nauru.

Oz Detention Centre in Nauru and the Resettlement Deal

Cambodia signed a deal with Australia to provide asylum for migrant refugees and inmates of Australia-run Nauru Detention Centre.

Cambodian protesters in October after the deal was signed. (Photo: Reuters)

The deal between Cambodia and Australia, struck last September, has been criticised by rights groups and the political opposition in both countries. Australia has been accused by protesters of shirking international obligations by dumping asylum seekers on other countries.

The detention centre in Nauru, a South Pacific island nation, is known for its atrocities. Stories of torture, assault, killing and rape are well known.

Detainees from the asylum famously stitched their lips together as a form of protest.