'Armed' refugees take over camp

The ringleaders are blamed for a breakout last month

By Phil Mercer BBC Correspondent in Sydney

Authorities in Australia say that hundreds of asylum seekers armed with home-made weapons have taken over part of the Curtin detention centre in a remote part of the country's north-west.

It follows a riot by 100 inmates at the camp on Friday, where property and equipment were damaged and a number of fires lit.

If this cannot be resolved peacefully then we will use other means to resolve it

Acting Immigration Minister Chris Ellison

The Australian Government says it will consider using force to bring to an end the current stand-off inside the camp.

The authorities say 300 detainees are armed with sharpened broomsticks and knives and are holed up in a central part of the camp near the town of Derby in Western Australia.

Extra security personnel have been drafted in and local police units are on stand-by.

Weapons

The Australian Government says contact has been established with the detainees and is insisting that, although the situation is tense, it is under control.

Camps have been criticised by human rights groups

The stand-off follows serious disturbances inside the Curtin centre on Friday, where a number of guards and inmates were injured.

Acting Immigration Minister Chris Ellison said the authorities would not tolerate further unrest.

"Part of the negotiations are that all weapons must be handed over and that furthermore those responsible for this unacceptable behaviour should also be handed over as well," he said.

"Our patience is not limitless and we will not see the situation go for any lengthy period of time. If this cannot be resolved peacefully then we will use other means to resolve it."

It is believed those involved in the take-over of part of the remote immigration facility have had their applications for asylum rejected by the Australian Government and are awaiting deportation.

Mandatory detention

The authorities claim the ringleaders were also involved in the mass escape from the Woomera camp in South Australia last month before being transferred to Curtin.

Australia detains anyone arriving without correct documentation

Refugee advocate Peter Wilke said he believes the Australian Government has failed to address a rising tide of discontent among the detainees.

"This has been going on for one week and yet we see again that no serious steps have been taken to address whatever the specific concerns were in Curtin at this time," he said.

Australia automatically detains anyone arriving in the country without the proper documentation and claiming refugee status.

The government has defended the mandatory detention of asylum applicants on health and security grounds.

Earlier this month ministers announced that Curtin will be closed down as part of sweeping reforms of Australia's immigration facilities.