Austrailian Passionist Community address fair policies for asylum seeker

(The Passionist community in Australia shares their concern regarding the issue of refugees and asylum seekers. This concern comes in light of a recent tragedy where a boat of asylum seekers on their way to Christmas Island sank. The article below is written by Fr. Kerry from the Jesuit community in Australia and shared to us by Fr. Ray Sanchez, CP from the Australian Passionist community)

The tragic death of several asylum seekers on a boat while being towed to Christmas Island again shows the dangers for people coming to Australia by boat. (click here for the story on this tragedy) This may be used to support arguments for tougher border controls, presented as protecting people from the risks of boat travel to Australia. However this incident, tragic as it is, does not justify a return to the harsh policies of the past.

Several boats have arrived in the north west frontier of Australia’s sea borders in the last few months.

Most of the recent boat arrivals have been Afghans, Iraqis and some Sri Lankans. All three countries have major internal security problems resulting in many civilians being targeted. Any rational approach to dealing with the forced movement of people needs to recognise that the people are coming because they have genuine fears for their safety.

In a world where there are serious internal conflicts, there will be people who flee their homes seeking protection elsewhere. As a good international citizen, Australia needs to play its part by treating these people with dignity, as well as seeking ways to resolve the conflicts.

Returning to the harsh systems of the past should not be considered as a serious policy approach — in the past we failed to treat people with dignity. There can always be improvements in the system and hopefully serious policy debate will focus on how to improve, rather than regress.

One Response to “Austrailian Passionist Community address fair policies for asylum seeker”

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