[Greens-Media] Deaths of Afghans denied asylum yet another reason for Royal Commission

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Monday 27 October 2008

Deaths of Afghans denied asylum yet another reason for Royal Commission

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has reiterated the need for a Royal
Commission into the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, after
reports of overseas executions of people denied asylum in Australia.

Documentary A Well-Founded Fear, due to air on SBS on November 19,
reports that up to 20 Afghan asylum seekers rejected by Australia under
the Pacific Solution scheme were then killed after returning to
Afghanistan.

"Government policy isn't just words on paper - these are people's lives
we are talking about here," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"The decisions made about immigration by the Howard Government have cost
people's lives.

"Now the Rudd Government has the chance to demonstrate the
understanding, compassion and sense of justice that the Howard
Government lacked so callously.

"Immigration Minister Evans must demand the establishment of a Royal
Commission into the way Australia's immigration policies have treated
asylum seekers, as a matter of urgency.

 "Only with the level of investigation and scrutiny a Royal Commission
would bring will we see a complete picture of the damage caused by
Australia's immigration policies.

"The individuals who made these decisions must be held accountable, and
we must learn from the consequences, so that tragedies such as these can
never, ever happen again."

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would be watching closely to ensure
that there is adequate transparency in new immigration processes under
the Rudd Government.

"We will be monitoring to make sure the necessary checks and balances
are applied to these crucial matters of human rights and justice," she
said.

"We must not simply turn a blind eye to this dark chapter in our history
books."

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760