Nauru detention centre

The detention centre on the South Pacific island nation of Nauru was based on a Statement of Principles, signed on September 10, 2001 by the President of Nauru, René Harris, and Australia's then-Minister for Defence, Peter Reith. The statement opened the way to establish a detention centre for up to 800 people and was accompanied by a pledge of A$20 million for development activities. The use of immigration detention facilities is part of a policy of mandatory detention in Australia. The centre is seen by Nauruans as an important industry critical for the employment opportunities it provides.