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World Refugee Day

20 June 2008, 10:13AM

As people around the country celebrate the contribution of refugees and asylum-seekers to Australian society this World Refugee Day, Amnesty International Australia is calling on the Australian Government to end mandatory detention.

"Without ending mandatory detention, we believe the Australian Government will have great difficulty in fulfilling its commitment to avoiding long-term and potentially indefinite detention," said Dr Graham Thom, Refugee Campaign Coordinator, Amnesty International Australia.

"Australia must commit to keep those in detention for the shortest period possible, in line with Australia's international obligations, and we encourage the Government to broaden non-detention alternatives for asylum-seekers," said Graham Thom.

"We welcome the current inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Migration into Australia’s detention practices," he added.

"The Government's awareness of the detrimental effects of long-term detention makes the development of the Christmas Island Detention Centre unconscionable. Also, the 'stage one' maximum security section of Villawood Immigration Detention Centre has to go," said Graham Thom.

Amnesty International Australia is demanding the Australian Government completes the shut down of the Pacific Solution policy and scraps legislation excising certain offshore areas from the Australian migration zone.

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge recent improvements in relation to the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. Amnesty International Australia welcomes the recent abolition of the draconian Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) regime.

"By making sure all recognised refugees receive permanent protection, Australia has finally taken a significant step towards reaffirming itself as a country that respects the human rights of some of the world’s most vulnerable," said Graham Thom.

The organisation also welcomes the increase in the resettlement quota for refugees from the Middle East, specifically those affected by the conflict in Iraq.

Amnesty International is calling on the international community and, in particular, those states who participated in the US-led invasion of Iraq to take real steps to alleviate the suffering of those displaced.

"As we celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ 60th birthday, it is essential we strive to live up to its premise and uphold the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution," said Graham Thom.

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