Refugee Rights Action Network - Western Australia

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On Monday 18th January a small but indomitable crowd gathered on one of the hottest days of the year outside the office of Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration.

They were there to remind the “honourable” minister that the crisis of people fleeing war and persecution continues.

They were there to remind the minister that, 250 or so Tamil asylum seekers are still on board their boat at the Indonesian port of Merak and that one very preventable death has already occurred.

A speaker from the Australian Tamil Congress emphasised that as a signatory to the UN convention on refugees Australia bears a moral responsibility to ensure these people’s human rights are respected and that includes promptly facilitating their asylum claim.

ASIO’s determination that 5 Tamil asylum seekers are a threat to Australia’s national security was soundly condemned.

Phil Chilton, from the Refugee Rights Action Network, recalled that ASIO also had previously found Scott Parkin, peace and environmental activist, to be a “threat”, and that the security agency’s practice was lacking in transparency, were profoundly undemocratic and likely informed by official Sri Lankan sources hostile to Tamil refugees.

Letters to the minister protesting the government’s stance on asylum seekers were signed and delivered.

Chilton also warned the minister to not feel complacent at the low numbers who turned out. Rather Chris Evans should recognise that even in the extreme heat people were willing to demonstrate against the government’s inhumane policy and say that asylum seekers are welcome here.

RRAN next action is on 26th January - Australia day.

This story can also be found on Perth IMC