Regional framework for refugees makes sense: Brotherhood

16 July 2010

The Brotherhood of St Laurence said today that a regional framework for the processing of refugees was a step in the right direction. Sarina Greco, General Manager – Community Services, said:
 
‘We support a regional framework which tackles this complex issue in a cooperative and collaborative manner with regional nations.

‘The Brotherhood, through its Ecumenical Migration Centre, has been assisting refugees to settle in Australia for nearly 50 years. Along with other community organisations involved in this work we have been calling for a regional approach for some time.

‘A regional processing centre can provide access to fair and just determination processes without the need for a dangerous journey. This would begin to address the backlog of refugees languishing in third countries with their lives on hold. Of course, onshore processing would continue to be necessary for those asylum seekers that reach Australia, whether by boat or plane.

‘We believe it is crucial that asylum seekers are treated fairly and afforded the best possible outcome in line with the Refugee Convention. This is a highly vulnerable group of people seeking protection from persecution, and they have a right to seek asylum. Refugees deserve a ‘fair go’ and the chance to build a better life for themselves and their families.

‘The Brotherhood understands that this policy is still in development and will require considerable cooperation and collaboration from regional nations. It is important that the government spends the time to get this policy right.’

Specifically, the Brotherhood highlights the following areas when considering a regional framework for refugee protection:

• appropriate resourcing of neutral UNHCR staff to enable fair determination of refugee claims
• guaranteed resettlement of those found to be a refugee
• a better balance in favour of fairer determination processes for refugees waiting outside Australia to bring these in line with the standards and approach of refugee law applied in cases in Australia
• broadening of the family reunion definitions so that siblings can be reunited through the family stream of migration, rather than applying through the already overcrowded offshore refugee and humanitarian programs
• a timetable for processing that takes into account the impact of detention on asylum seekers
• recognition of the positive skills that refugees bring to Australia and consideration that intake numbers should increase in proportion to increases in Australia’s skilled migration program.

‘The Brotherhood urges the government to bring together regional nations to develop a long-term sustainable strategy for the region through collaboration and consultation', said Ms Greco.

Media contact: Johanna de Wever on 0424 751 920