Category: asylum seekers


Compassion for asylum seekers

Filed under: asylum seekers, immigration, refugees — Leave a comment
September 30, 2011

A renewed federal policy push on asylum seekers comes amid widespread public perception that we’ve lost control of our borders, we’re being swamped by asylum seekers arriving by boat, and every boat that arrives represents more “illegals” jumping the “queues” and taking the place of genuine refugees waiting to be processed through legitimate channels.

The truth is that boat arrivals comprised less than four per cent of immigration arrivals to Australia in the past 12 months, and more than 90 per cent of boat arrivals are found to be legitimate refugees.

The Lowy Institute’s Dr Khalid Koser says, “arguably Australia is worrying about the wrong asylum seekers. Whereas the majority of those arriving by boat are refugees, the majority of those arriving by air are not.”

And they’re not “illegal” – everyone has a right to seek asylum, although not everyone has a right to be granted asylum. It’s time Australians showed more compassion for people in desperate need.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 2 October 2011.

Comment

The Bible on refugees

Filed under: asylum seekers, compassion, refugees, social justice — Leave a comment
September 2, 2011

In debates about asylum seekers, Christians are often caught up in the groundswell of public opinion, and face the danger of allowing popular fears or political allegiances, rather than biblical principles, to shape their perspective.

So what does the Bible teach?  Well, we could say that Adam and Eve were the first refugees, forced to flee the Garden of Eden because they were unworthy of residency.

But more specifically, ancient Israel possessed laws designed to ensure the just treatment of “strangers” and “aliens.” And, despite Israel’s commitment to racial and religious purity, these foreigners were able to share in Israel’s cultural and religious life.

There were also designated places of sanctuary – not detention – where refugees could live while their claims were processed. They were called “cities of refuge.” As the prophet Micah taught, what God desired was a life of justice, mercy and humility.

The New Testament portrays Jesus as the ultimate immigrant, coming from heaven to point the way back to God. And Jesus and the early church exemplified the values of grace, compassion and fairness that lie at the heart of biblical social teaching.

In many places, especially the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Bible shows how Christians should treat asylum seekers and all who are treated unjustly. The question is: why don’t we?

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 4 September 2011.

Comment

High Court scuttles Malaysia deal

Filed under: asylum seekers, human rights, refugees — Leave a comment
September 2, 2011

On Wednesday, in a decision keenly awaited by Australians and by people smugglers, the High Court struck down the federal government’s asylum seeker swap deal with Malaysia.

A large majority of the full bench ruled invalid the declaration by the Immigration Minister that Malaysia was an appropriate country to which to send asylum seekers, since Malaysia was not bound to provide adequate protection and care for them.

This is a major setback for the Gillard government, and has prompted leadership speculation. The High Court decision may well rule out all offshore processing of asylum seekers. And it will be welcome news for desperate and opportunistic people keen to bypass normal processes and arrive on Australian shores in leaky boats.

Still, I welcome the High Court decision, and see no valid reason why asylum seekers must be processed offshore, or be treated with less dignity than any other person. And that applies especially to the way in which we treat unaccompanied children.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 4 September 2011.

Comment

A radical alternative on refugee policy

Filed under: asylum seekers, immigration, refugees — 1 Comment
August 14, 2011

With all the talk about the so-called “Malaysian solution,” and the federal government digging itself into a deeper and deeper hole over refugee policy, and the federal opposition lacking any robust policy alternative beyond the rhetoric of “stopping the boats” through ever harsher treatment of asylum seekers, it’s time to consider radical solutions that respect human rights and might just work.

The Gillard Government’s current policy of sending new asylum seekers to Malaysia is well intentioned, but the reality is abhorrent and should have been foreseen. Offshore detention, whether on Christmas Island, Malaysia, Nauru, or Manus Island (in Papua New Guinea) creates more problems than it solves, doesn’t deter the people-smugglers, doesn’t reduce demand in countries of origin, and involves significant ongoing costs for Australian taxpayers.

Here’s a radical alternative: allow asylum seekers entry to Australia, house them in the community (with the assistance of the churches and other hospitable groups), process their asylum applications quickly (within, say, 90 days), and reward bad behaviour with immediate deportation. A compassionate policy worth considering.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 14 August 2011.

Comment

Christians cannot accept Malaysia solution

Filed under: asylum seekers, immigration, religious freedom — 8 Comments
August 5, 2011

A group of happy Afghan children

The first group of asylum seekers to be deported from Australia to Malaysia has arrived on Christmas Island, awaiting the next leg of their journey in search of safety and security.

The federal government’s so-called “Malaysia solution” looks like decisive action, but it’s abhorrent from a human rights perspective, and at odds with a balanced Christian view of justice and compassion.

The policy will send a message to prospective asylum seekers and people traffickers, but it is simply the wrong thing to do. Malaysia has not signed the UN Refugee Convention; there are significant new financial and other costs for Australia; and Malaysia’s status as an Islamic Republic raises questions about our commitment to assist those fleeing religious persecution in their homeland.

But the worst aspect of the Malaysia solution is that we are now responsible for sending 19 children, 14 of them unaccompanied minors, to Malaysia – not to a detention facility, but apparently out in the community where an uncertain fate awaits them.

This is not an action of a civilized, progressive democracy. Immigration policy is always a challenge, but Immigration Minister Chris Bowen must find a better alternative to the Malaysia solution before the worst happens.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 7 August 2011.

Comment
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.