[Greens-Media] SENATOR KERRY NETTLE: New West Papuan asylum seekers should be assessed in Australia

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

09.05.06


New West Papuan asylum seekers should be assessed in Australia

Greens Immigration Spokesperson, Senator Kerry Nettle, today called on
the government to process any asylum claim from the West Papuans who
have been detained in the Torres Strait according to Australia's
obligations under international law.

"If these three men are claiming asylum their claims should be processed
in the same way as anyone who seeks asylum in Australia," Senator Nettle
said.

"These men should be dealt with in Australia by Australians according to
Australian laws.

"This is a test case for the Howard government. Any moves to take these
men to Nauru or other place of offshore detention will be seen in
Australia as appeasing the Indonesian government.

"The United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Amnesty International
and The Greens have all condemned the government's proposed changes to
the migration laws which are intended to target asylum seekers from West
Papua.

"Asylum seekers from West Papua will continue as long as human rights
abuses and economic and environmental injustices are allowed to continue
in West Papua.

"The Australian government should be seeking constructive engagement
with Indonesia to prevent human rights abuses instead of trying to
prevent asylum seekers from accessing Australian protection.


Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146