Thousands Flee Fires in Alberta, Canada

A raging forest fire in the Canadian province of Alberta forced the evacuation of 88,000 residents this week. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls the damage “absolutely devastating.” Fort McMurray is in the northern part of Alberta, which is a province in western Canada. The area around Fort McMurray is known for its tar sands from which oil can be taken. It is the third-largest oil reserve in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The fire started Sunday and is moving rapidly around the city. Some people are evacuating south towards the large city of Edmonton. Others are going north toward the work camps close to the oil sands. Residents report 15-foot-high walls of flame. The skies are gray with smoke and soot. The Associated Press news agency reports that the fire is especially hard to control because Fort McMurray is warmer and drier than usual for this time of year. About 1,600 homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged. Hospitals have been closed and evacuated. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency says the downtown area of the city is safe, so far. The evacuation has not been easy. Some cars ran out of gas on the road. Some gas stations were damaged by the fire. Gasoline trucks were called in to help some motorists refuel on the side of the road. Many of the oil producers that remove oil from the sands say they will slow production during the fire. Some staff have been evacuated. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says there is little danger of the oil sands burning as a result of the fire. Much of the oil-rich material is located underground. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story based on reporting from the Associated Press. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Are you following the fire in Alberta? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   soot – n. a black powder that is formed when something (such as wood or coal) is burned evacuate – v. to remove (someone) from a dangerous place devastate – v. to destroy much or most of (something) : to cause great damage or harm to (something) raging – adj. very wild and violent    

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/24Ap40Q
via IFTTT

Americans Split On US Role Overseas

  Americans are divided about how involved the United States should be in the problems of other countries. They also do not agree whether U.S. economic involvement in other nations – such as trade – is good or bad. These are some of the findings of a report released Thursday by the Pew Research Center. The poll was conducted last month and questioned 2,000 voters. According to the report, 57 percent of Americans want the U.S. to deal with its own problems. And, they say they want other countries to do the best to solve their own problems. Among Americans, 41 percent say the United States is doing too much in the world; 28 percent say the United States is doing about the right amount; and 27 percent say the U.S. is doing too little, Pew said. There is a difference in opinion among supporters of the two major U.S. political parties. Among Republicans, 62 percent say the U.S. should first deal with its own problems. Among Democrats, 47 percent have the same opinion, according to Pew. And 55 percent of Republicans see economic involvement with other nations as a good thing, compared to 44 percent of Democrats. The poll results are important this week because the race for American president has thinned. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich dropped out of the race this week. Businessman Donald Trump is the remaining Republican presidential candidate. Among those Republicans who told Pew they support Trump, 65 percent say U.S. involvement in the global economy is a bad thing. Trump has promised to renegotiate trade deals to benefit the U.S. The two remaining Democratic presidential candidates are former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Among Clinton supporters, 55 percent say they see U.S. involvement in the global economy is a good thing, while 37 percent see it as bad, according to the Pew report. Among Sanders supporters, 47 percent see it as good, and 48 percent as bad. Republicans and Democrats are also divided about if the U.S. is more or less powerful than before. Nearly 70 percent of Republicans say the U.S. has become less powerful, compared to nearly 25 percent of Democrats, Pew reported. Republicans and Democrats view the threat of global warming very differently. Nearly 80 percent of Democrats see global warming as a big threat. Among Republicans, around 25 percent see it that way. Republicans and Democrats also disagree about refugees coming from Syria and Iraq. Nearly, 75 percent of Republicans see it a major threat, compared to about 40 percent of Democrats. On other issues, there is more agreement. 80 percent of Americans agree that Islamic State militants are a big threat to the well-being of the United States.   70 percent of Americans consider cyberattacks from other nations as a big problem.   66 percent of Trump supporters want more spending on U.S. military.   43 percent of Clinton supporters and 25 percent of Sanders supporters want more military spending. I'm Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page. Let us know how active you think the U.S. should be in the world. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   poll – n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something global warming – n. the recent increase in the world's temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases -- such as carbon dioxide -- in the atmosphere benefit – v. to be helped cyberattacks – n. an effort to damage computers and steal data

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Wc7zmw
via IFTTT

Cambodian Immigrants in US Struggle With Mental Health

  Some people think their problems will be solved if they just leave home and move far away, perhaps to another country. Yet resettling in a new country is not always easy. Take a look at the thousands of people who left Cambodia from the 1970s to the 1990s. Many of them came to the United States to escape from the Khmer Rouge, which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Up to two million Cambodians are estimated to have died during that period. Mary Scully is a healthcare worker in the U.S. state of Connecticut. She has spent over 35 years working with Cambodians, both in refugee camps and in Connecticut. She now directs a mental health organization called Khmer Health Advocates. Scully says 60 percent of the Cambodian refugees she worked with who became parents in the U.S. struggled with mental health problems. This prevented them from having good relationships with their children. "If they have flashbacks, if they get anxious, then they go from being connected to being disconnected with their kids, which is very confusing for the child,” she said. Jennifer Ka grew up in the United States. Her parents left Cambodia to escape the Khmer Rouge. She says she could never understand why her father always seemed angry. “He was really never there and present with us because he was stuck in his trauma; he never told me what happened to him in the Khmer Rouge,” Ka said. Her parents had trouble earning money after they arrived in the U.S. There were few good job training programs for refugees. Many refugees received financial assistance from the government. However, much of that support ended when the U.S. made changes in the government’s welfare program in 1996. The changes ended much of the federal aid available for immigrants and refugees. Mary Scully says the Cambodian refugees she met suffered from feelings of anxiety and depression. They also had headaches and bad dreams. Other health problems, like diabetes, also came up in her research. Cambodian-Americans have two times the rate of type 2 diabetes compared with the total U.S. population. While health care workers knew what kind of problems the refugees had, they were unable to do enough to help. Scully says she thinks Cambodian refugees in the U.S. are “suffering in silence.” Eric Tang teaches at the University of Texas. He says he thinks the U.S. government did not do a good job of helping Cambodian refugees settle and thrive in the United States. There is a big difference between coming to the U.S. as a refugee and becoming a U.S. resident. Tang says the long-term support many people needed just was not available. “The resettlement policy doesn't pay attention to, for instance, job training," he says. "[It didn't] allow people to heal from their trauma before we push them into sweatshop jobs." The problems continued for the children of refugees. Born to parents who struggled to establish themselves in the U.S., they also had trouble following through with their schooling and finding good jobs and housing. Tang says “Some do not go to college, and many are profiled, targeted by the criminal justice system, and subjected to deportation to Cambodia." Jennifer Ka says she found a way to deal with some of her problems. During her childhood in the U.S., she was always worried about her father. She says she thought he did not like her. It was not until she was an adult and made a trip to Cambodia that she started to understand why her father’s life was so difficult. “I started to deeply understand the pain my parents suffered from the genocide that I was not aware of before,” she says. Now she feels at home in Cambodia. I’m Dan Friedell. Ten Soksreinith of VOA’s Khmer Service wrote this report. Dan Friedell adapted the story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Do you know Cambodian refugees who lived in the United States? What do you know about their experiences? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   thrive – v. to grow or develop successfully : to flourish or succeed profile – v. to give a brief description that provides information about welfare – n. a government program for poor or unemployed people that helps pay for their food, housing, medical costs, etc. flashback – n. a strong memory of a past event that comes suddenly into a person's mind anxious – adj. afraid or nervous especially about what may happen : feeling anxiety trauma – n. a very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems usually for a long time sweatshop – n. a place where people work long hours for low pay in poor conditions

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1ZjchMP
via IFTTT

Turkey’s Prime Minister Says He Will Resign

  Turkey’s prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, has announced he will not seek re-election as the head of the ruling party. Davutoglu spoke Thursday after a meeting of the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, in Ankara. He told reporters that a change in the position of chairman was needed for the good of the party. The ruling party leader also serves as the prime minister. The move means that a new party leader will be chosen at the AKP party congress on May 22. Davutoglu said, “I have no sense of failure or regrets in taking this decision.” The prime minster said that his resignation was not “his choice but a necessity.” He noted that there were no “hard feelings.”  The prime minister suggested he will remain as a ruling party legislator. He also pledged loyalty to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  Erdogan said that it was the prime minister’s own decision and he wished him well.  The resignation is not effective immediately. The AKP will hold an emergency congress on May 22 to elect a new party leader who would take the place of Davutoglu. President Erdogan and Prime Minster Davutoglu met late Wednesday but reportedly failed to smooth over their disagreements. Davutoglu has not been a strong supporter of some of Erdogan's policies. These include potential changes to the constitution to make the largely ceremonial presidency into a powerful position. Relations between the president and prime minister have been tense. Turkish media had reported that Davutoglu was planning to visit the United States on May 2 to meet with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden. Some reports say this angered Erdogan and the visit was canceled. The disagreement between the two politicians became especially strong last week. That is when the AKP’s 50-member executive committee stripped Davutoglu of his power to appoint local and provincial party leaders. The problems between the two leaders come as Turkey deals with the influx of refugees from Syria’s conflict. In addition, the country is combatting violence linked to Islamic State and Kurdish militants. It is also seeking to become a member of the European Union. I’m Mario Ritter.   Isabela Cocoli reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pledge –v. a serious promise or agreement smooth over –v. to make problems seem less serious potential –adj. capable of becoming real stripped –adj. having had something removed or taken away influx –n. the movement of a large number of people

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1rY94bl
via IFTTT

South Korea Warns of Kidnappings by North Korean Agents

  South Korea is warning its citizens to be on guard against possible North Korean attempts to kidnap South Koreans overseas. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry made the warning after the group defection of 13 North Koreans in China last month. North Korea has accused South Korean spies of kidnapping the 13 individuals, all women, who were working at a restaurant in eastern China. The North has demanded the return of its citizens and threatened to take action. South Korea has directed its foreign embassies around the world to be cautious about possible kidnappings or terror attacks.  Go Myong-hyun is a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. He told VOA that, in the past, many South Korean fishermen were kidnapped, usually for propaganda purposes. “Often times what happens with South Koreans, first when they arrive, they have a major press conference announcing their defection to North Korea.” Go Myong-hyun said that the North Korean media then makes it appear that the South Koreans defected to the North voluntarily. He added that some South Koreans kidnapped by North Korea are later trained as spies to go out and capture other South Koreans. Go Myong-hyun said the kidnappers often are North Korean spies who appear to be South Koreans. The spies try to lure people with promises of jobs or learning opportunities, he said. Nearly 30,000 North Koreans are estimated to have sought asylum in South Korea since the signing of an armistice agreement. The treaty ended fighting in the 1950-1953 Korean War.     Tens of thousands of South Koreans were abducted by North Korea during the war. South Korean officials believe several hundred are still being held in the North. Tensions between the two sides have risen since North Korea carried out an underground nuclear weapons test at the beginning of the year.   North Korea plans to hold a rare meeting of the North Korean Workers’ Party later this week in Pyongyang. It will be the first party congress in nearly 40 years. Go Myong-hyun said he does not believe South Korea’s warning is directly related to the start of the meeting.     I’m Bryan Lynn. Victor Beattie reported this story for VOANews.com. Bryan Lynn adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   defect – v. to leave a country or group you belong to cautious – adj. to be careful about avoiding danger or risk lure – v. to attract, entice or tempt someone to do something opportunity – n. a situation that makes it possible to do something you want to do or need to do abduct – v. to take a person away by force, to kidnap

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1TnsBaM
via IFTTT

Will Republicans Unite Behind Trump?

Businessman Donald Trump has become the de facto Republican Party presidential nominee after all other opponents withdrew from the competition. Ohio Governor John Kasich was the last candidate to suspend his campaign. Texas Senator Ted Cruz did the same Tuesday night following Trump’s huge win in the nominating election in the state of Indiana. Cruz told supporters that his "path toward victory has been foreclosed," and that “voters have chosen another path.” Donald Trump has never held public office. When he announced his plan to run for president on June 16, 2015, few Americans considered him a serious candidate. He was the 12th person to enter the Republican contest. In all there were 17 candidates seeking that party’s presidential nomination. Trump was the best-known among Americans. He was the host of a TV reality show called, “The Apprentice,” for many years. The show had 28 million viewers its first season. Trump has more than 7 million followers on the social media site Twitter. Trump spoke about unemployment in the United States. He said China, Japan and Mexico had taken U.S. jobs. He criticized Mexico and other Latin American countries which he said were sending illegal immigrants to the United States. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists,” he said. Trump promised to “build a great wall” to keep them out and that he “will have Mexico to pay for that wall.” For the next 10 months, Trump spread his message and attacked opponents on television, radio and social media. He made many incendiary comments about issues and other politicians. Trump criticized Senator John McCain for being taken as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Many Americans consider the 2008 Republican candidate for president a hero. But, Trump disagreed. “He’s not a war hero. … I like people who weren’t captured,” he said. Trump made other sharp criticisms against his opponents. He accused Senator Ted Cruz of lying. He called Senator Rubio of Florida, “little Marco.” Both Republicans and Democrats condemned Trump when he called for banning all Muslims from the United States. The comments do not seem to affect Republican voters. A Gallup poll in February reported that Republicans support Trump because he is “outspoken,” “strong” and “not a career politician.” One by one, Trump’s opponents left the race after losses in the primaries and caucuses. Trump’s opponents sharply attacked him. Some called for changes to how delegates are awarded. Republican chair calls for unity behind Trump Reince Priebus is the head of the Republican Party. After Trump’s Indiana victory, he tweeted that Trump will be the “presumptive” nominee. He called for party unity to defeat Hillary Clinton.   Matt Dallek is a professor at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. He wonders if Republicans will follow Priebus’s call for unity. He says, "The chairman of the RNC coming out and saying he’s the presumptive nominee [is] not insignificant, but that doesn't necessarily persuade Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz and John Kasich and the Lindsey Grahams of the world to endorse him or to certainly appear on the convention stage." Dallek added, "It’s hard to imagine Ted Cruz endorsing him after all of the things that he said about Trump." Cruz had called Trump a “pathological liar” and accused him of repeatedly cheating in his marriages. U.S. Senator Jeff Session of Alabama is among leading Republicans who support Trump. New Jersey Governor and former candidate Chris Christie is another. Christie campaigned for the businessman after he dropped out of the race himself. U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham was also a candidate for the Republican nomination. He wrote, “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed.......and we will deserve it.” ​ Jay Caruso writes for the conservative blog Red State. He wrote that asking for unity behind Trump “is to ask people to betray their most closely held beliefs and values.” Caruso added Trump is the opposite of “all things Republican and conservative.” Some Republicans went even further to announce support for the likely Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton. Mark Salter was a long-time advisor to Republican Senator John McCain. Salter tweeted that the “GOP is going to nominate for President a guy who reads the National Enquirer and thinks it’s on the level. I’m with her.” ​ Paul Helmke is a professor at Indiana University Bloomington's School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He said Trump’s victory “has shocked the entire political establishment." He told VOA, "I think what’s happened is that a lot of folks think that government isn't working for them, government isn't effective anymore, they're angry, they want somebody who promises that they can make a difference, and Trump’s somebody who says I can make the deal, I can make this happen, and I think that’s what he’s tapping into."    Hai Do wrote this story for Learning English with additional reporting from Chris Hannas. Caty Weaver was the editor. What does this story mean to you? Please leave us a comment, and post on our Facebook page, thank you! ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   de facto – adj. used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or recognized incendiary – adj. causing anger insignificant –adj. small not important endorse –v. to publicly support pathological – adj. extreme in a way that is not normal or that shows an illness or mental problem  

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/21xZ7Ny
via IFTTT

1900 UTC Hourly Newscast for May 4, 2016

  From Washington, this is VOA news… I'm Dave DeForest reporting The European Commission unveils a plan to deal with the migrant crisis:   The plan includes a "fairness mechanism" requiring nations to accept a set number of refugees or pay a de-facto fine.  The plan has drawn immediate fire from central and eastern European nations that have defied previous calls from the European Union for all members to accept a portion of the refugees. The proposals, including a recommendation to remove restrictions on visa-free travel for Turkish nationals, will be up for a vote by the European Parliament in June. With Britain due to vote next month on whether to leave to European Union, a cross-party group of British lawmakers has warned that negotiations on an exit could take a decade. The report by the House of Lords' E-U Committee predicts that leaving the bloc would entail lengthy and difficult negotiations. The campaign to quit the European Union says it would be in Europe's interest to strike a quick trade agreement with Britian due to the size of the British market for goods like French wine and German cars. Russia says it will deploy three divisions of troops along its borders to counter NATO's increasing military presence in eastern Europe. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday that the new divisions will be stationed along Russia's western and southern borders. Shoigu gave no details about the size and timing of the new Russian deployment, or where the troops would be stationed. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said this week that NATO is considering stationing a force of around 4,000 troops in Poland and the three Baltic states all of which are members of the western alliance. This is VOA news. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Newscast mechanism –n. a process or system designed to get a result de-facto –adj. something that exists but is not officially recognized defy –v. to refuse to obey portion –n. part of a whole decade –n. a ten year period bloc –n. groups, organizations or countries that work together entail –v. to be involved in, to have as part of something

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1W9SfXm
via IFTTT

Gaga's Piano, Cobain's Letter And More For Sale

Hundreds of things belonging to rock ‘n' roll musicians will be offered to the public at an auction later this month. Julien’s Auctions is holding the event on May 21 at Hard Rock Café in New York City. The company is based in California and specializes in selling objects from or related to the entertainment industry. Music lovers might be interested in a document containing song lyrics handwritten by John Lennon. Also available for sale is a note from Kurt Cobain, former frontman of the rock group Nirvana. In it, he discussed the possibility of the band breaking up. Cobain expressed anger about a magazine report about him and his wife, rocker Courtney Love. The 1992 Vanity Fair story said that the two were using drugs during Love’s pregnancy. "I love my wife and soon to be new daughter too much to let everyones low opinions of us ruin our lives together," he wrote. Cobain killed himself in 1994 and Nirvana broke up. Many people still mourn the musician more than 20 years later. His letter is expected to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000. There will be many other objects related to rock stars available at the auction. These include clothes, guitars and mail to and from their fans. Lennon's handwritten lyrics and notes are for the song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" It was part of the Beatles' 1967 record album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Some observers expected the Lennon writings to sell for between $300,000 and $500,000. Martin Nolan of Julien’s Auction said anything written by Lennon is highly sought by collectors. Lady Gaga's first piano is also expected to sell for a huge amount. Part of the money is to go to the singer's Born This Way Foundation. Julien’s Auctions also expects to make a nice profit on a red and white "Rock Soldier" jacket. Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, wore it during the band's 1986 tour. Nolan called the jacket "a great conversation piece." He added that, "Investors see these items as cool, but also really great opportunities to increase your investment because over time, chances are they will appreciate in value," he said. I’m Bruce Alpert. The Reuters news service reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. If you could have any piece of rock 'n' roll history, what would it be? Let us know, and practice your English writing skills in the Comment Section. Or leave a message on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   auction – n. a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most entertainment – n.  amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc. lyrics – n.  words of a song fan – n. a person who likes and admires someone (such as a famous person) or something (such as a sport or a sports team) in a very enthusiastic way jacket – n. a piece of clothing that is worn on your upper body over another piece of clothing (such as a shirt) : a usually short and light coat conversation – n. an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people :the act of talking in an informal way cool – adj. very fashionable, stylish, or appealing in a way that is generally approved of especially by young peopl opportunity – n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done appreciate – v. to increase in value

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/21y0U5f
via IFTTT

May The Fourth Be With You

  People who love Star Wars movies do not need a reason to leave a photograph or message on social media. On any given day, you might see Star Wars-related photos all over Facebook and Twitter. There might be a cat made to look like Darth Vader or a dog in what appears to be the clothing of a storm trooper. Anytime a Star Wars video comes out online, people watch it. Look at the trailer for the next Star Wars movie, “Rogue One.” It came out in April. Just a month later, it has over 35 million views on YouTube. Star Wars fans do not need a reason to celebrate. But every year they have a special day, anyway. And that day is May 4! Do you know why? Perhaps the most famous saying from all of the Star Wars movies is “May the Force Be With You.” On May 4, people have fun saying “May the Fourth Be With You.” The two sayings sound nearly the same. That is why May 4 is known as “Star Wars Day.” And the hashtag #MayThe4thBeWithYou is trending on Twitter. By Wednesday afternoon, that hashtag was used almost 600,000 times. Many businesses hoping to promote their products used the hashtag. Volkswagen posted a photo of one of its famous VW buses as one of the AT-AT walkers from the 1980 film “The Empire Strikes Back.” One Twitter user, Mish Lipman of England, wished everyone “Happy Star Wars Day, or as we call it, a standard day in our house.” Stars Wars Day leads to all sorts of visual humor. Sports teams use photo editing software to make it look as if their players were in the movies. Perhaps a tennis player or golfer holds a light saber instead of a racquet or golf club. But this photo, from London’s Heathrow Airport, may have been the best of the day. It shows the famous Millennium Falcon spaceship sitting next to airplanes. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Anna Matteo. May the Force Be With You.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What did you do to celebrate Star Wars Day? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   software – n. the programs that run on a computer and perform certain functions fan – n. a lover or supporter of something promote – v. to support; to advertise visual – adj. relating to seeing or to the eyes

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1TnczO9
via IFTTT

May 4, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/21xZ7xa
via IFTTT

Burnings Bring Attention to Asylum-Seekers in Australian Camps

  A 21-year old Somali refugee is critically injured after setting herself on fire on Nauru, a tiny South Pacific republic. Australia operates a detention camp on the island.  Some people are criticizing Australia for its refugee policy. However, Australia has said refugee supporters are putting pressure on migrants to harm themselves for the attention it will bring. The 21-year old refugee Hodan Yasin has been taken to a hospital in the Australian city of Brisbane. She is in a critical condition after setting herself on fire Monday. Refugee advocates say the injured woman was distressed after she was sent back to the South Pacific island. Before this incident, she had received medical treatment in Australia for injuries from a road accident. Last week, a 23-year old Iranian asylum seeker died after he set himself on fire at the migrant center on Nauru.   It is one of two camps operated by Australia as part of a policy to stop asylum seekers from reaching its northern waters by boat.  Even if detainees are found to be refugees, they are not permitted to resettle in Australia. Australian Greens party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says her country is not supporting people who need help. “They have been found to be refugees, therefore they deserve to be looked after and given an opportunity to rebuild their lives.  We should not be having languishing on Nauru even now, let alone for years and years to come.  We should end this suffering and bring these people to Australia and allow them to get on with their lives.” Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has accused refugee supporters of increasing tensions on Nauru. He says they have encouraged migrants to take extreme measures to try to force Australia to change its border protection policies. Australia sends Asylum seekers trying to reach Australia by sea to either Manus Island in Papua New Guinea or to Nauru. Officials in the capital Canberra say the policy has reduced the steady flow of migrants trying to reach Australia by boat. Last week, the government of Papua New Guinea said it would close the Australian facility on Manus Island after the country’s Supreme Court ruled it illegal. Also, media reports say a boat carrying Sri Lankan asylum seekers has reportedly arrived on the Cocos Islands, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean.  If the arrival is confirmed, it would be the first refugee ship to have reached Australian waters in almost two years. I’m Mario Ritter. Phil Mercer reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about the refugees on Nauru? Please let us know what you think in the comments, and post on our Facebook page, thank you. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   advocates – n. someone who argues in support of a cause or person distressed – adj. feeling or showing unhappiness or pain detainees – n. a person who is being detained encourage – v. to make someone more likely to do something

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1SPmXiq
via IFTTT