The World Council for Health (WCH) is strongly opposed to the forced detentions taking place in the Northern Territory of Australia.
According to reports, people with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test are being forcibly detained in a large detention center, sometimes against their will. In some cases, close contacts of people with positive tests are also being detained, despite not being ill and having repeated negative PCR tests. They are facing fines of $5,000 if they do not comply or violate rules while detained.
This process is a clear violation of human rights, including but not limited to discrimination, inhumane treatment, unfair detainment, and no freedom of movement.
The actions by Australian authorities are not evidence-based, have significant and lasting consequences that do not contribute to improved public health, and are being decided using a flawed strategy. A PCR test is not a diagnostic test and therefore does not confirm illness or disease. As such, it should not be used as a marker by which to identify those at risk.
People experiencing detainment in Australia have reported poor mental health conditions within the facility and significant consequences such as loss of employment. Indigenous communities are reporting an increase in discrimination in the Northern Territory as well as forced vaccination.
World Council for Health believes it is safer for individuals to quarantine at home, relying on their own, personal support networks, and early treatment options when they are ill. World Council for Health calls for an immediate halt to these unlawful action actions being carried out by the Australian government.
