Refugee Advocacy Network - Page 21 of 39 - A coalition of Victorian groups campaigning for rights for refugees in Australia

Christmas Island asylum seekers say why we dont want to go to Nauru

September 7, 2012

‘We don’t want to go to NARUE’: asylum seekers’ plea letter Crikey media reporter Matthew Knott writes: ASYLUM SEEKER POLICY, CHRISTMAS ISLAND, MANUS ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, NAURU A group of Hazara asylum seekers, expected to be among the first sent to Nauru for offshore processing, has written an open letter pleading for the government not to deport them to the remote island because of mental health fears. The letter, obtained by Crikey, marks the first time asylum seekers destined for…

Hollow promises as Government and Abbott Coalition unite to vote down increasing humanitarian intake

August 23, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The Government’s unfulfilled promises to increase Australia’s humanitarian intake and give refugees safety in our region were on stark display today as those recommendations were voted down by the major parties in the Senate, said the Australian Greens. “Despite the rush of getting the ‘Gillard Pacific Solution” legislation through Parliament last week, the government is dragging its feet to the point of standstill when it comes to other critical humanitarian measures identified by the Houston Panel” said Greens immigration spokesperson…

Migration Act stripped of human rights protections

August 20, 2012

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News

President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Professor Gillian Triggs, has welcomed the efforts of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers to respond to the tragic loss of life at sea. Professor Triggs said the practical recommendations for a regional cooperation and protection framework, and significant increases in resettlement places in Australia for refugees, will contribute to reducing the risk of further maritime disasters. She has urged the government to implement these recommendations as soon as possible. “I am concerned…

Houston Committee Report on Asylum Seekers Disappoints

August 16, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The Uniting Church in Australia has expressed its disappointment in the recommendations of the Houston Committee and called for a new beginning in the national debate on asylum seekers. “Today’s Expert Panel report is another fork in the road in this vexed debate,” said Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director of the Uniting Church’s justice unit, UnitingJustice Australia. “As a representative of a Church that has long advocated for a more compassionate treatment of asylum seekers, we cannot welcome the re-introduction…

Labor for Refugees condemns “Expert Panel’s” targeting of families of boat people for punishment.

August 16, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

Labor for Refugees is deeply disappointed that the Prime Minister’s “Expert Panel” has continued to buy the falsehood that refugees are queue jumpers. That misguided and mischievous lie permeates all aspects of the report. The ‘Expert’ Panel says “those who continue to choose irregular maritime voyages to Australia to claim asylum should not be advantaged for doing so over those who pursue regular mechanism”. No real expert in the field of refugees could seriously believe that there is any “regular mechanism” for…