Australia has a proud history of helping refugees fleeing war and persecution. But in 2010, in the lead up to a Federal election, our politicians are trampling on this record and punishing these most desperate of people to score political points.

On Saturday 8 May, we're gathering 300 people at King George Square to form a giant human life ring, and show our politicians on all sides that they've got it wrong - Australians do care about saving lives and we won't accept punishment of people to win votes.

Count me in - I want to be part of the human life ring! (don't forget to send us your name and the names of any friends who want to come)

Our campaigning achieved the abolition of Temporary Protection Visas and the closure of Woomera and Baxter Detention Centres, and we know that we can do it again. We need to tell our leaders that we say no to:

• The prolonged detention of men, woman and children on Christmas Island
• A discriminatory freeze on processing of Sri Lankan and Afghan asylum applications
• The reopening of the 'hell hole' Curtin detention centre
• Fearmongering and political point-scoring by all parties at the expense of asylum seekers

Australia is a lucky country - most of us don't have to worry about persecution or the horrors of war. But do we care about people who do?

Of course I care about people fleeing war and persecution - register me now!

Be sure to wear your brightest yellow and red clothes.

Register now by emailing qldaia@amnesty.org.au with your name and the names of your friends coming along, or by simply clicking one of the above links.