Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance members might be interested in a theme that is developing at the moment.  I received this email today from a non-migration agent, non-migration industry Australian citizen.  This is not the first email of it's type that I have received on this topic, nor the first Facebook private message. I thought it would be worthwhile sharing with members what Aussies are starting to say about asylum and the current management of our borders and the people that are seeking refuge:

Dear Liana

As mentioned I'm really struggling with the government's approach to asylum. I understand that political viewpoints differ, and also that part of the reason for off-shore processing is to discourage people from attempting to gain entry to Australia by sea. As an aside I don't agree with our current or previous governments' approach to managing asylum seekers, by sending them to underdeveloped islands. In my opinion 'stopping the boats' would better be done by meeting them at the shoreline in Indonesia and safely transporting them to Australia.

However... 

To get to the reason I am writing this email, I am deeply concerned with the lack of compassion and apparent disregard for human rights that seems to be becoming worse and worse, almost on a daily basis. 

I am particularly horrified to hear about incidents such as the separation of a newborn requiring intensive care from a parent, and also about a child being sent to detention without a parent or guardian, putting her at extreme risk. I am concerned that Scott Morrison is not upholding his duty of care as guardian of the child - which is his responsibility as Minister for Immigration. I believe that currently the government is breaching the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. I do not think it is suitable to say 'one size fits all' with regard to detention policies, every case must be looked it for it's own merit, particularly with regard to children.

I also question the conditions detainees are being forced to endure. I believe the government is currently breaching human rights. I think it is safe to say our prisoners have better conditions, and asylum seekers are not criminals just because they seek asylum. Even through the current policy of secrecy, stories are emerging about conditions these people are forced to live in. One example I am aware of is insufficient toilet facilities meaning that grown men are defecating in their pants because they are unable to access a toilet due to insufficient facilities and long queues. Not to mention the absence of prevention from diseases prevalent in the tropical locations, such as malaria, and risk to the detainee's mental health. There are many more risks than these.

I am also greatly concerned about Prime Minister Abbott working with Sri Lanka to return asylum seekers. I see this as akin to forcing a battered wife to return to her husband just because he says he won't hit her again. It is not acceptable and is morally wrong. 

The government is accountable to the law and needs to remember that. Australia is also a member of the United Nations and must hold to their conventions.

I really do appreciate you raising my concerns, and I really hope that reason and compassion will prevail within the government. All children have the right to protection, and if there is no-one else to offer it then we must. 

Thanks, Kath.