Warning: This story discusses suicide and may contain details that might upset some people
A man detained on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island attempted suicide on Monday over his application for resettlement in the United States, a refugee says.
The daily protest in the detention centre, 10-11-17. Photo: supplied
Shaminda Kanapathi said after being interviewed by US officials, the man from Sudan has been waiting 17 months to know if he has been accepted.
Frustrated and depressed, like "three out every four men" Australia has detained in PNG, the man tried to kill himself in front of PNG Immigration staff, Mr Kanapathi said.
"The man poured petrol on himself and was trying to set himself on fire. Eventually, the Immigration intervened. They said that they will try to get his result as soon as possible," he said.
"Somehow he was convinced and he gave up the idea of setting himself on fire."
Another refugee tried to hang himself on Monday but was cut down by guards, Mr Kanapathi said.
More than 70 Manus Island refugees have self-harmed or attempted suicide since the Australian election on 18 May, he said.
The election returned the Liberal Party led coalition to power which admitted this week its resettlement deal with the US would not be fully realised.
In 2016, the Obama administration agreed to resettle up to 1250 of the refugees Australia has detained on Manus and Nauru since 2013.
But on Monday, the Australian government told the ABC about 300 had been rejected and 95 had refused to go.
About 800 refugees remain on the two islands, about 300 of whom have been approved for US resettlement, it said.
More than 530 refugees have gone to the US so far.
Home Affairs Minster Peter Dutton told the ABC he was committed to finding new homes for those remaining on the two islands.
"I want people off Manus and Nauru overnight, but I want to do it in a way that doesn't restart boats, and kids drowning again at sea," he said.
Where to get help
These are services across the Pacific for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
In Tonga
Lifeline
23000 or
25144
In Fiji
Lifeline
+679 667 0565
In Papua New Guinea
Lifeline Port Moresby
+675 326 0011
In Samoa:
SAMOA LIFELINE 800-5433
In New Zealand:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Where to get help:
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
