I have no particular political party persuasion. I confess (to my shame) that it has only been in these last couple of months that I have really cared about the plight of asylum seekers. It has only been through meeting more people who have come from very troubled parts of the world that my heart has really been stirred. That, and the lack of compassion shown by the Australian parliament and people, even in the face of tragic deaths at sea.
So here's a collection of articles about asylum seekers which I think are worth considering.
I am disgusted by the statement made by Kevin Rudd today about asylum seeker policy: "From now on, any asylum-seeker who arrives in Australia by boat will have no chance of being settled in Australia as a refugee"
'Australia to send asylum-seekers to PNG' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23358329
Rather than being processed and resettled here, they are going to be sent to PNG. I object to sending them elsewhere, but I object even more to sending to a substandard place.
'Problems persist at Manus Island processing centre: UNHCR Australia report' http://www.unhcr.org/51dfd23d6.html
I am also upset that Kevin Rudd has now enacted a policy that he previously objected to. In 2006 he wrote persuasively about being "a voice for the voiceless."
'Faith in Politics' http://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2006/october/1330040298/kevin-rudd/faith-politics
Many Australians seem to have absorbed the 'protecting our borders' rhetoric, but have forgotten that seeking asylum is a legitimate, legal activity. People do not take this route lightly. They do it out of desperation.
'You've been misled on boat people: Here are the facts' http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/youve-been-misled-on-boat-people-here-are-the-facts-20130718-2q5rv.html
This current plan of action falls well short of our international duty to aid refugees. We are shamed by other countries that are far less well off than we are, yet keep their borders and their arms open to help the vulnerable. This shows a deep selfishness and saddening lack of compassion in our nation.
'What can Lebanon teach Australia about refugees?' http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/wakim---a-global-perspective-on-refugees/4828412
This is a complex and emotive issue. But I do not think that this current policy is the best option. Nathan Campbell offers an interesting solution, which I think is worth investigation.
http://st-eutychus.com/2013/australians-all-let-us-rejoice-for-we-have-strong-borders-and-none-shall-pass/
Lastly, this article challenges us to realise that helping asylum seekers will require much more than a 'like' or a 'retweet', but will require time, action and cost on our part.
http://christinemead.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/so-you-think-its-a-good-idea-to-welcome-refugees-excuse-me-while-i-burst-your-bubble/
[a new addition]
Feeling confused, helpless, powerless? Here's some great practical suggestions from the former director of Nauru
http://citybibleforum.org/city/melbourne/blog/what-can-i-do-about-asylum-seekers
So here's a collection of articles about asylum seekers which I think are worth considering.
I am disgusted by the statement made by Kevin Rudd today about asylum seeker policy: "From now on, any asylum-seeker who arrives in Australia by boat will have no chance of being settled in Australia as a refugee"
'Australia to send asylum-seekers to PNG' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23358329
Rather than being processed and resettled here, they are going to be sent to PNG. I object to sending them elsewhere, but I object even more to sending to a substandard place.
'Problems persist at Manus Island processing centre: UNHCR Australia report' http://www.unhcr.org/51dfd23d6.html
I am also upset that Kevin Rudd has now enacted a policy that he previously objected to. In 2006 he wrote persuasively about being "a voice for the voiceless."
'Faith in Politics' http://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2006/october/1330040298/kevin-rudd/faith-politics
Many Australians seem to have absorbed the 'protecting our borders' rhetoric, but have forgotten that seeking asylum is a legitimate, legal activity. People do not take this route lightly. They do it out of desperation.
'You've been misled on boat people: Here are the facts' http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/youve-been-misled-on-boat-people-here-are-the-facts-20130718-2q5rv.html
This current plan of action falls well short of our international duty to aid refugees. We are shamed by other countries that are far less well off than we are, yet keep their borders and their arms open to help the vulnerable. This shows a deep selfishness and saddening lack of compassion in our nation.
'What can Lebanon teach Australia about refugees?' http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/wakim---a-global-perspective-on-refugees/4828412
This is a complex and emotive issue. But I do not think that this current policy is the best option. Nathan Campbell offers an interesting solution, which I think is worth investigation.
http://st-eutychus.com/2013/australians-all-let-us-rejoice-for-we-have-strong-borders-and-none-shall-pass/
Lastly, this article challenges us to realise that helping asylum seekers will require much more than a 'like' or a 'retweet', but will require time, action and cost on our part.
http://christinemead.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/so-you-think-its-a-good-idea-to-welcome-refugees-excuse-me-while-i-burst-your-bubble/
[a new addition]
Feeling confused, helpless, powerless? Here's some great practical suggestions from the former director of Nauru
http://citybibleforum.org/city/melbourne/blog/what-can-i-do-about-asylum-seekers
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