Refugee Rights Action Network - Western Australia

Printer-friendly version

Message from ACTU President Sharan Burrow to refugee rally

State Library, Melbourne, Monday, January 18, 2010:

(Unfortunately this message was received too late to be read at either the Melbourne or Perth rallies, so is posted here. Thanks to the union movement for their support.)

The union movement joins you today in calling for a humane solution for all asylum seekers who seek sanctuary in Australia.

Australia has a proud history as a tolerant, compassionate and multicultural nation, and people from all over the world have contributed to the development of our economy and society.

In recent months, there has been an increase in the numbers of people fleeing turmoil in the world, including from conflicts in Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

This has led to a small increase in those people coming by boat to seek asylum in Australia. It should be recognised that these numbers are small in comparison to those people fleeing to other.

Unions call for international action to achieve peace, equitable development and decent work for all to address the push factors which are affecting this situation and we reaffirm our strong belief that asylum seekers should be treated with respect and dignity.

We must not return to that shameful period in our recent history where Australia avoided its international obligations through processing refugees off-shore.

The so-called ‘Indonesian Solution’ is no solution to what is a global problem in which wealthy nations like Australia must play their part in helping to resettle refugees.

The Indonesian Solution puts lives at risk, and involves the forcible return of boatpeople to a country that is not a signatory to the refugee convention, where they will then remain in limbo for potentially many years in sub-standard conditions.

The Tamil asylum seekers, who have now been detained at Merak for 100 days, are the most visible case of the negative consequences of this approach.

We call for quick and efficient processing and resettlement of the Tamil asylum seekers on Merak.

Australian unions are extremely disappointed with the use of rhetoric to demonise asylum seekers who are fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries and have asked Australia for help and safety.

The demonisation of asylum seekers for political gain, or the abrogation of Australia’s international obligations towards refugees is not in the national interest and does enormous damage to Australia’s international
reputation and standing.

http://www.actu.asn.au/