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refugees

Syria and the recent Brussels attack

war-terrorismSyria, the recent Brussels attacks and PM Turnbull’s criticism of EU security

The conflict in Syria is complex, complicated and multi-faceted. The ideal solution is an end to the Civil War, a stable Government for Syria and a return of displaced persons to what’s left of their homes.

This ideal solution, however, seems a long way off.

The complexity of the situation in Syria has been further complicated by the rise of Islamic State extremism and the increase in terror attacks across the globe, including on European soil.

While the majority of the perpetrators of attacks in Europe have been reportedly committed by European nationals, some attackers have been documented as passing through European borders, presenting as Syrian refugees, and therefore using the Syrian conflict as a means of inflicting the motives of extremists.

Comments by Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull criticising the European Union response to the millions of refugees seeking asylum within its borders and linking the recent Brussels attack with the Syrian refugee problem are unhelpful.

These comments further reiterate the delicate nature of the situation and the lack of an international consensus to adequately deal with the plethora of problems emanating from the war torn region.

It has been reported that some of the attackers in the Paris and Brussels attacks passed through the Greek island of Leros, posing as refugees seeking asylum.

Greece, enduring its own economic and social crisis, has been on the front line of the Syrian refugee crisis, with 1 million refugees arriving on its islands in 2015.

Had Greek authorities been adequately resourced by the EU to screen all refugees, the attackers may have been prevented from continuing their journey towards France and Belgium.

The issues facing the Greek authorities are a small example of the plethora of issues that have arisen from the Syrian Civil War.

Greece and Turkey have since revisited an agreement to return refugees arriving in Greece in exchange for funding and concessions from the EU to Turkey.

Mr Turnbull may arguably resemble use of the refugee crisis as political pointscoring by comparing the EU’s porous borders with that of internationally condemned local policies here in Australia.

This rhetoric does not assist the millions of people on the ground in Syria and Europe affected by this crisis, but merely increases anti-refugee sentiment within our own borders and across a European continent already struggling to grapple with the humanitarian cost of the Syrian conflict.

How could the Australian Prime Minister act differently?

In light of the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Europe, Mr Turnbull would have been better advised to speak compassionately about the need for a regional and global solution to the refugee crisis, in particular, and Syrian Civil War in general.

It is interesting to note that both the Belgian ambassador to Australia, Jean-Luc Bodson, and the German ambassador to Australia cautioned against drawing the conclusions Mr Turnbull did between the recent Brussels attacks and the Syrian refugee crisis

Furthermore, the leader of a wealthy country built on immigration should be taking a stance on a global level to do more to assist the millions of displaced Syrian citizens and to help resolve the crisis.

Mr Turnbull should increase Australia’s intake of Syrian refugees from a paltry 12,000 to a number more reflective of a nation with our capacity to welcome new citizens (noting the large numbers of permanent migrants taken each year is often in excess of 180,000).

Mr Turnbull should actively use our position as a leader in the Asia Pacific and take advantage of our historically strong ties with both Europe and the US, to advocate for a multi party solution to the conflict.

Mr Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop could also advocate for a variety of outcomes, including but not limited to:

  • Calling on greater UN involvement in both peacekeeping operations, ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid;
  • Pursuing multi-party avenues such as advocating for the establishment of talks between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers Party to overcome certain differences to allow Kurdish Pashmerga forces uninhibited opportunity to defeat ISIS;
  • Increasing foreign aid to Syria’s neighbours (such as Lebanon and Jordan), as refugee camps in these countries are under-resourced and are leading to Syrians taking the drastic and dangerous journey towards Europe
  • Encouraging those on the UN Security Council, including primarily Russia and the United States, to negotiate a solution without a strong focus on their respective interests in the region
  • Advocating for a binding ceasefire and resolution to the Civil War

A more compassionate approach to the treatment of refugees, both in Australia and overseas, should be the goal of local, regional, national and international policies.

Locally, your continued support for AFFMA, greatly assists us to provide a professional volunteer service for refugees and asylum seekers navigating the complex Australian legal system.

James Gounis
B.Com, B. Laws (Hons), Dipl. Legal Practice

Refugee news – February 2016

News conceptIn the news

Global:

  • On average, two refugee children drown every day attempting to reach Europe. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/56c707d66.html
  • Increasing gang violence in El Salvador has led to a dramatic rise in asylum applications in Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/56b1d54f6.html
  • NATO will begin surveillance activities to target people smugglers on the Aegean Sea. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-11/nato-willing-to-support-migrant-naval-operation-in-aegean-us/7161738
  • Gay rights organisations in Germany will open shelters for LGBT refugees to prevent further discrimination and assaults. Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/german-lgbt-groups-plan-shelters-gay-refugees-amid-attacks-n504496

At home:

  • The High Court has determined that the offshore processing of refugees is constitutionally valid. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-03/high-court-throws-out-challenge-to-offshore-detention/7135504
  • A one year old girl who was badly burned on Nauru will not be released by her doctors at a Brisbane hospital until a “suitable home environment is identified.” Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-12/brisbane-hospital-refuses-to-release-nauru-baby/7165470
  • New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has offered to resettle 37 refugee children who would otherwise be returned to Nauru. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/new-zealand-prime-minister-john-key-opens-door-to-37-asylum-seeker-children-20160215-gmugsb.html
  • Amnesty International has accused Australia and 29 other countries of violating human rights law by turning away refugees. Read more:http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/02/24/illegal-refugee-returns-top-amnesty-list

Refugee news – January 2016

News target
News target

In the news at home and abroad:

  • The Guardian reports Australia’s abusive refugee policy was criticised by Human Rights Watch http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/jan/27/australias-abusive-refugee-policies-criticised-in-damning-international-report
  • SBS reports that Australia does have the ability to implement a humane refugee policy  http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/01/28/humane-refugee-policies-not-death-sentence-australia-human-rights-watch
  • The Sydney Morning Herald outlines some examples of refugee settlement in Australia  http://m.smh.com.au/nsw/how-well-are-new-refugees-settling-into-australia-20160127-gmes83.html
  • The ABC reports on Syrian Refugee camp visits by an Australian delegation http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-27/syrian-refugee-camps-tour-by-australian-business-delegation/7116754
  • The Guardian includes an opinion piece on the current state of the refugee situation in Europe and Australia http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jan/18/australias-refugee-policies-a-global-inspiration-for-all-the-wrong-reasons
  • UNHCR outlines their smart phone app assisting Australian refugees http://www.unhcr.org/56a0b21c6.html
  • Refugees on Nauru have criticised Australia’s human rights record, including treatment of Australia’s First Nations http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-19/nauru-refugees-take-aim-at-australias-human-rights-record/7098384
  • The Guardian reports of child bullying in Nauru detention centres http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jan/21/child-refugees-tell-of-bullying-on-nauru-they-are-rude-to-us-they-punch-us

In the news

News target
News target

Global:

  • A record 60 million people are now refugees or otherwise displaced. Read more: http://m.smh.com.au/world/united-nations-worlds-refugees-and-displaced-have-exceeded-record-60-million-20151218-glrdhc.html
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally welcomed the first of Canada’s 25,000 strong intake of Syrian refugees. Read more:http://www.unhcr.org/566ad0029.html
  • A proposed law in Denmark would allow authorities to confiscate valuables from incoming refugees. Read more: http://m.smh.com.au/world/denmark-wants-to-seize-jewellery-and-cash-from-refugees-20151217-glqfmf
  • Pope Francis has encouraged world leaders to adopt legal reform to be more welcoming of refugees and better integrate them into society. Read more: http://m.smh.com.au/world/pope-francis-urges-review-of-migration-laws-to-welcome-refugees-20151215-gloffv.html

At Home:

  • Refugees previously assessed as deserving of Australia’s protection fear their applications may be reassessed by the Department of Home Affairs. Read more: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/12/21/refugees-fear-immigration-double-dip-assessment
  • The Australian government has committed $22m in funding to assist refugees under the age of 25 integrate into society and the Australian economy. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-17/government-pledges-22m-for-young-refugees/7038534
  • Queensland town may welcome Syrian refugees to assist economy during mining downturn. Read more: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/11/30/queensland-town-hopes-business-boost-syrian-refugees

Refugee and asylum seekers: feeling like outsiders

free-migration-agents-we-need-youThe call for equality

Refugee and Asylum seeker identities and personalities are, like all humans, complex and formed by internal and external feelings and environments.

The internal feelings stem from beliefs, cultural traditions and religious affiliations. However, external factors result from resettlement practices, mandatory policies, social, political and economic conditions.

Often when refugees and asylum seekers reach a country they are housed in camps or detained, awaiting processing.

In this time, they are subjected to feelings of being outsiders and in a sense they are in limbo. Their lives are on hold. They often cannot work in their new country, and the schooling of their children becomes more difficult.

The impact of further labelling these individuals inflicts greater instability regarding a person’s identity and affiliations as to “who are they” and “do they even matter.”  Feelings of being an outsider and not knowing one’s fate would no doubt be extremely daunting, particularly when required to flee a country  as a last option in order to achieve safety and freedom.

Reaching the shoreline, arriving at the airport or crossing a border is one thing BUT being detained for long periods of time awaiting the outcome of asylum applications would be extremely unforgiving on a person’s autonomy and would contribute to feelings of self worth.

To read further on these issues please click on this link. http://www.unhcr.org/510947989.html

Upside when we open our arms in the face of humanity

This link provides an overview of people that have come to Australia as a refugee or asylum seeker and have secured a better future: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-22/refugee-week-profiles/4036618

Najeeba Wazefadost

This woman was 12 years old when her family smuggled out of Afghanistan and flown into Indonesia on fake passports. Further, Najeeba and her brother set sail to Australia and were intercepted by the Australian Navy in 2000.

She now lives in Western Sydney, is a part of a Women’s Association and is an ambassador for Amnesty International. Additionally, she was a finalist of the Young Human Rights Medial Award.

She has also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and is now furthering her education via a second degree.

By opening our borders (and our arms and minds) in the face of diversity more positive stories can influence our actions to understand why people flee and demonstrate what a little faith in humanity can achieve.

Please, read the above links for further information and especially the ABC link as it shows why people flee and what they can achieve when they are welcomed into their new country of residence.

Refugee news

News target

In The News

Global

  • A group of asylum seekers has been transferred from Greece to Luxembourg as part of an EU program to share the responsibility for resettling refugees. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/563a3c736.html
  • Barack Obama has rejected the notion that the United States should only welcome Christian refugees in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/17/politics/obama-syria-refugees-paris-attacks/index.html
  • The United Nations World Food Program has developed an application that allows users to donate money to provide food for refugees in camps in Jordan. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/migrant-crisis/uns-sharethemeal-app-a-chance-to-donate-food-to-refugees-20151112-gky0hh
  • The UN refugee agency has provided emergency supplies after flooding in Algeria damaged refugee camps that house thousands. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/563338686.html
  • A record number of Malian asylum seekers in Niger is putting a financial strain on refugee camps. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/564200fd1e.html
  • Over 120,000 people have fled Yemen since April, with 15,000 settling in nearby Djibouti. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/5643218b6.html

At Home

  • The first of Australia’s 12,000 person intake of Syrian refugees, a family of five, arrived in Western Australia. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/were-very-very-careful-mps-and-community-groups-reaffirm-support-for-syrian-refugees-after-paris-atrocity-20151117-gl0u99.html
  • The Australian government may resettle refugees from offshore detention centres to Kyrgyzstan. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/reports-turnbull-government-planning-to-send-refugees-to-kyrgyzstan-20151030-gkninr.html
  • The Christmas Island detention centre broke out into a riot after an escaped Iranian refugee was found dead at the bottom of a cliff. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-09/christmas-island-calm-after-stand-off-immigration-department/6922866

In the news

News target

Global

  • The number of asylum seekers arriving in Greece (a country with approximately 11 million people) by boat this year has now exceeded half a million. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/56263d536.html
  • Fifteen arson attacks have been carried out against refugee centres in Sweden this year. Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-21/arsonists-attack-asylum-seeker-centre-in-sweden/6871232
  • 200,000 refugee children will receive free schooling in Lebanon up to year nine. Read more: http://www.unhcr.org/560e96b56.html

At Home

  • One of the four refugees resettled from Nauru to Cambodia has chosen to return to Myanmar. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/first-failure-of-australias-55-million-cambodia-refugee-plan-20151016-gkb42q
  • The Australian government is developing a deal to resettle refugees in the Philippines. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/coalition-government-in-talks-to-resettle-refugees-in-the-philippines-20151008-gk4u5m.html
  • Doctors at the Royal Children’s Hospital have said they will not release refugee children back to detention. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/royal-childrens-hospital-doctors-refuse-to-return-children-to-detention-20151010-gk63xm.html

January 2015 – refugee news

Global Refugee News

  • More than 7000 flee to Western Chad to escape attacks on Baga, Nigeria. Read further.
  • UN envoy calls for emergency education fund and urges the international community to do more to support crisis-hit countries. Read on here.
  • Refugees in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya are concerned about access to food, after the World Food Programme was forced to cut rations by 50% in November 2014. Full rations have since resumed, but new funding is needed to prevent the risk of cuts re-occurring. Read on.
  • UNHCR staff have been working around the clock for the last few  weeks to help millions of refugees and internally displaced people endure a severe winter storm that has been sweeping across much of the Middle East. Read more.
  • Cambodia’s actions in the ongoing case of the Montagnards – a Christian ethnic minority from Vietnam suggests the country’s capacity and willingness to protect asylum seekers remains weak. Read more here.
  • International Organisation for Migration staff in Italy report on the new ‘Ghost ship’ trend – a developing trend where smugglers use old, unsafe and large cargo ships which are then abandoned by their crews. Read more.
  • South Korea has increased financial support this year for asylum seekers coming to the country. 

The government has approved a 510 million won (US$461,747) budget in 2015 to assist refugee entrants from overseas, 50 percent higher than the amount given out in 2014. Read more.
  • Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Negev in southern Israel to protest a new law designed to counter the influx of African migrants, which Israel calls ‘infiltrators’. The law allows the government to imprison asylum seekers and refugees for up to 20 months without trial. It is reportedly directed primarily at people fleeing Sudan and Eritrea. Read more.
  • New restrictions to Syrian nationals’ access to Lebanon took effect on 5 January, requiring Syrians to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. Read on.
  • Upsurge in Libya fighting triggers new displacement.  Read further.

At Home

  • Arrested protesters from the recent Manus Island hunger-strike face jail conditions until refugee status decided. Read more.
  • ASIO recently quietly reversed an adverse security assessment for a group of seven refugees. Two of these men then had their clearances overturned with no reasoning provided. Read more.
  • Melbourne baristas use crowd-funding to launch refugee-staffed café. Read more.
  • Months after deal, no refugees choose Cambodia as new home. Read on.
  • Asylum seeker advocates write to UN over indefinite detention at Darwin’s Wickham Point Centre. Read more.
  • Committing a crime does not mean forfeiting all human rights for the future – Gillian Triggs comments on her findings in The Basikbasik case. Read further.
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