Refugee Advocacy Network - Page 30 of 39 - A coalition of Victorian groups campaigning for rights for refugees in Australia

New ‘asylum seeker syndrome’ is avoidable with time limits on detention: Greens

May 23, 2012

A new psychological condition diagnosed among asylum seekers held in indefinite detention is further evidence of the need to put time-limits on detention and close remote and isolated detention centres, the Australian Greens said today. “The discovery of this new mental illness syndrome is nothing for Australia to be proud of,” Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said. “It is saddening to learn that this new condition is being created because of the long-term and indefinite detention of vulnerable people…

Greens to amend ASIO Act so refugees and their children can challenge indefinite detention

May 23, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The Australian Greens said today they will seek to amend the ASIO Act so refugees, including children, are no longer detained for the rest of their lives because of adverse security assessments which cannot be challenged. “There is a problem with the current law that allows for a young mother and her children to be detained indefinitely, effectively for the rest of their lives without explanation or ability to challenge,” Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said. “No one with…

Summary of 2012-13 Federal Budget measures affecting refugees

May 16, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

KEY POINTS The Refugee and Humanitarian Program will remain static at 13,750 places The Government will be seeking the community’s views on the feasibility of introducing a private sponsorship pilot program to enhance the humanitarian program. Government funding for refugee and migrant settlement services will total $334.4 million, an increase of just 1.4%. There will be a decrease in funding for the Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program, primarily as a result of capping the maximum level of humanitarian settlement services to…

Human Rights Arts & Film Festival

May 16, 2012

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Past Events

The fifth Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) opens on May 15th and runs for eleven days in Melbourne before crossing the country. It is a festival to showcase contemporary cinema, fine art and at the same time to inspire and engage. The festival features 15 Australian premieres and highlights 19 film programs including award-winning docos At Night They Dance, Wrinkles and Fantome Island. For the Australian shorts program, a selection of eight Australian shorts are curated including Telegram…

ERC research in Afghanistan uncovers grave dangers faced by deportees from Australia

May 16, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

“In this visit to Kabul, further to our previous visits, we met and interviewed another 31 returned asylum seekers. 29 of these 31 are living in extreme danger,” affirmed ERC Director, Phil Glendenning. “We confirmed the deaths of another two returnees and the kidnapping of one other who is now presumed dead.” “The majority of these men are unable to live with their wives and children because of the risk their simple presence would pose to the safety of their…