When I was a baby, my mummy and daddy took me on a big trip to escape the danger back home.
I have been living in a detention centre for 3 years with my family.
Mum cries and says that it is all her fault. I don't like seeing her cry. I give her a big cuddle.
- Amanthi* (7 years old)
... to protect the lives of your family?
... to escape being tortured?
... to give your kids a life without fear?
Asylum seekers arrive on our shores desperate to protect their families and escape violence and persecution.
Many are then locked away in detention centres for months and years, with little hope of release.
You can help restore hope by joining the Freedom from fences appeal to fund our Refugee Casework Team in 2012. Together, we can help provide asylum seekers with a chance for a future of safety and freedom.
You can help make a difference for asylum seekers. Give the gift of hope in 2012.
Right now, over 4,000 innocent people are imprisoned in Australian detention centres. This can last months or even years.
The feeling of absolute hopelessness experienced by asylum seekers has led to many cases of self harm and even suicide.
While the Government's plan to move asylum seekers into the community is encouraging, we've seen similar promises go unfulfilled before. Whether or not they carry through this time, many individuals our Refugee Casework Team work with still have no certainty of release.
It is essential that we continue this work in 2012. Let them know they are not forgotten.
Meet the real people living indefinitely behind the fences of our detention centres — they desperately need your support.
We fled the violence in Sri Lanka in fear of our lives.
I have 3 beautiful children who have celebrated their last 3 birthdays in detention.
I wish with all my heart that the next birthday gift I can give my children is freedom.
I don't know what the future holds, at least we are alive.
- Tharushi* (wife and mother of 3 beautiful children)
I fled Afghanistan because they wanted me to fight, but what does a boy know about guns, fighting & death?
I arrived in Australia & I now live in a detention centre.
I don't understand why I have been locked up and questioned like a criminal.
I just want to live in peace.
- Behnam* (current detainee)
Our Refugee Casework Team works directly with asylum seekers to ensure their stories – and the facts about the dangers they've fled – are provided to Australian authorities. The team also works to ensure these vulnerable people are treated humanely.
We assist as many as 200 individuals and families each year. Our Freedom from fences goal is to raise $87,000 – which will help fund our work for the next six months.
Your support will enable the Refugee Casework Team to:
Without the support of people like you, we cannot continue this work in 2012.
Meet the Refugee Casework Team who work to defend the human rights of asylum seekers.
"I believe everyone deserves the right to be free, these people endure so much to achieve something I take for granted."
- Kate
Refugee Support Team
"To accept you could die on the journey but to risk your life rather than face the alternative, it is a decision I will never have to face."
- Tim
Refugee Support Team
"The work we do is vital to ensure fair treatment of asylum seekers & their appreciation in having someone help them is amazing."
- Brianne
Refugee Support Team
Please help us spread the word and give asylum seekers a chance at freedom from fences.