A Manus Island detainee says Australia manipulated the United Nations to support its refugee resettlement deal with the United States.
Behrouz Boochani. Photo: Behrouz Boochani
UN accuses Canberra of reneging on offshore detention deal
The UN's Refugee Agency said it backed the deal on the clear understanding that offshore detainees with family in Australia would be allowed to join them.
However, the agency said Australia has since reneged on that commitment.
The detainee and journalist Behrouz Boochani said the deal was based on a lie.
"The US deal was established under the basis of a lie, and the government has played with not only the refugees but media and international organisations."
"This government has politically benefited from doing wrong and breaking international laws."
The Australian government and opposition say about 2000 refugees detained on Nauru and Manus Island since 2013 would never be allowed to enter Australia.