[Greens-Media] Humane immigration policy an international
obligation, not a liability
Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)
Gemma.Clark at aph.gov.au
Mon Dec 8 14:36:59 EST 2008
Monday 8 December 2008
Humane immigration policy an international obligation, not a liability
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has slammed claims that changes to
Australia's immigration policy has caused a surge in suspected asylum
seekers reaching Australia in boats.
A boat carrying 44 suspected asylum seekers was intercepted off Broome
yesterday, bringing this year's total of detained asylum seekers to 127.
Last year 150 asylum seekers arrived by boat.
"These are the same old scaremongering lines being trotted out by
hangers-on from the Howard and Ruddock regime," said Senator
Hanson-Young.
"Human beings, desperate to escape a life-threatening situation, will
resort to services of people smugglers if no other option is available.
"It is our responsibility, under international obligations, to support
these people when they arrive on our shores."
Senator Hanson-Young pointed out that this Wednesday 10 December is
International Human Rights Day, marking the 60th anniversary of the
United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"May this International Human Rights Day serve as a timely reminder that
it is not illegal to seek asylum," she said.
"Rather, it is a human right, protected by international law.
"We must not let the politics of fear cloud our actions on these matters
on human rights and justice.
"The Greens urge Immigration Minister Chris Evans to ignore the
fear-mongering, and introduce legislation to enshrine his Government's
new immigration policies without further delay."
Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760
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