Australia has an Obligation to Protect Asylum Seekers

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 15:57

From the National Council of Churches in Australia

As the Australian Government prepares to introduce amendments to Migration Legislation the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) again calls for Australia to take seriously its obligations to protect refugee and asylum seekers under international law.

“Australia not only has legal obligations to asylum seekers it also has moral obligations. We are a prosperous nation and the Government is introducing legislation that will place a burden upon poorer nations in the region.” said the Reverend Tara Curlewis, NCCA General Secretary.

The NCCA member churches continue to affirm the need for the expeditious processing of refugees and asylum seekers entering Australian territory. The churches through their agencies currently support the community detention program and will continue to work with Government to provide appropriate housing and care.

Tara Curlewis said “The Australian Government’s approach to asylum seekers and refugees is appalling particularly all the energy that is being expended to amend legislation in order to transfer our obligations to another smaller less prosperous nation in the region.”

During the uncertainty of amendments to legislation asylum seekers continue to be held in mandatory detention where they wait in a state of limbo for their applications to be considered.

Ms Curlewis concluded saying “Using vulnerable and traumatized people as a political ping pong ball is inhumane and reduces the value of Australia as a signatory to the Refugee Convention.”

The amended legislation is currently scheduled to be introduced to the Parliament on Thursday.

Media Enquiries: (02) 9299 2215 Rev Tara Curlewis is available for Interview