Manus Island detention Centre declared illegal by PNG Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment

Five judges sitting as the Supreme Court of Justice in Papua New Guinea have unanimously ruled that holding 905 asylum seekers at Manus Island detention centre is unconstitutional and a violation of their human rights.

Excerpts from the full judgment:

The Turnbull Government refuses to consider returning these asyulm seekers to Australian mainland immigration detention centres.

Mr Dutton said refugees at Manus Island could resettle in PNG and those whose claims were rejected should return to their country of origin.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the court ruling was "under consideration" and the detention centre was the responsibility of the PNG government, adding "I can't provide a definitive road map from here".

The Australian Lawyers Alliance is of the opinion that this judgment opens the door for the Australian Government to be sued for damages by detainees.

PNG Supreme Court Decision on Manus Island by Stephanie Anderson

UPDATE

ABC News, 27 April 2016:

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says the Manus Island regional processing centre will be closed following a ruling from the country's Supreme Court….

Mr O'Neill has now released a statement said that his government "will immediately ask the Australian Government to make alternative arrangements for the asylum seekers".

"For those that have been deemed to be legitimate refugees, we invite them to live in Papua New Guinea only if they want to be a part of our society and make a contribution to our community," he said.

"It is clear that several of these refugees do not want to settle in Papua New Guinea and that is their decision."

Mr O'Neill has also stated that the local economy would suffer as a result and the Government would work with the Australian Government to ease the transition.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott & Co alienate yet another sovereign nation on Australia's doorstep

Background: 

Rudd accuses Abbott of lying about the PNG asylum deal

UPDATE

ABC NEWS 24 July 2013:

Mr O'Neill has accused the Opposition of misrepresenting a private briefing he gave them last week about the deal for political gain.

"I don't particularly appreciate being misrepresented by others for their own political interests," he told the ABC.

"I am disappointed with some of the debates put forward by some of the leaders in the Opposition in Australia, in particular statements I am alleged to have made to them.

"They are completely untrue."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has suggested the foreign aid money would not be spent responsibly and with accountability.

Mr O'Neill is calling on the Opposition to show more respect in its dealings with his government.

"We are not going to put up with this kind of nonsense," he said.

"We are helping resolving an Australian issue. Try and be respectful when we start talking about these issues."

Mr O'Neill says many of the projects involving Australian aid will also be partially funded by the PNG government.

"So I don't see why we should be dragged into a debate that is now taking a new twist to represent individual interest and political interest in Australia," he said.