[Greens-Media] Greens call for Christmas compassion for refugees

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

16.12.04

Greens call for Christmas compassion for refugees


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle today joined local activists in Penrith in a
protest outside Liberal MP Jackie Kelly's office to raise awareness that
hundreds of asylum seekers, including children, remain locked up over
Christmas.

"The Greens are calling on the government to show some Christmas
compassion and agree to reassess the cases of all Iranian asylum seekers
in order to halt the ongoing hunger strike at Baxter Detention Centre,"
Senator Nettle said.

"Even if the Minister won't agree to release asylum seekers then at
least she should act to save these Iranian men who have been driven to
desperation by their long incarceration and threat of forced
deportation.

"It's important that Australians are reminded that hundreds of men women
and children will remain locked up in detention centres this Christmas,
most of whom have been there for years.

"This festive season, whilst writing Christmas cards to friends and
family, The Greens are asking all those concerned at the plight of
asylum seekers in Australia to write to Amanda Vanstone and let her know
that they do not support the ongoing detention of asylum seekers.

"Local activists around Australia will be taking action this weekend to
raise awareness of the ongoing plight of asylum seekers and in
particular the 25 Iranians who are on hunger strike at Baxter
Immigration Detention Centre.

The Greens policy calls for all asylum seekers to be released from
detention on temporary visas whilst their claims for asylum are
assessed.

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146