Apathy International Needs You!!!
GRAFTON REFUGEE FORUM A SUCCESS
More than 50 people attended the refugee forum in Grafton on Saturday May 11th. "The
strong attendance at the forum has highlighted the fact that large segments of
the community are extremely concerned by the current treatment of refugees in
Australia" said Ms Kaya Jongen, organiser of the event.
"The speakers at the forum were very informative and provided insights into
many different issues facing refugees. One speaker is currently on a
temporary protection visa and fled from Afghanistan two years ago. He gave a
powerful account of the systematic persecution of minority groups which took
place in Afghanistan under Taliban rule" Ms Jongen said.
"Through his personal account, those attending the forum were able to
understand that it is often impossible to join a 'queue' in a war torn country
controlled by a hostile and violent regime. Similarly, neighbouring countries
who support that regime cannot provide any safe harbor" she said.
"Those attending were also given a few insights into the hardships of
detention centres and the agony of uncertainty facing refugees once they
finally arrive in Australia. For refugees in detention there is no end in
sight and no set date for claims to be processed, there is little or no
contact with the outside world and no way of knowing whether friends and
families are still alive" Ms Jongen said.
"Other speakers presented information about the alternatives to mandatory
detention of refugees in Australia. They presented an analysis of the costs
involved and indicated that it would cost the Australian public many millions
of dollars less to accept refugees into the community than it is now costing
to keep them incarcerated, especially when taking into account the cost of the
so-called 'Pacific Solution' " she said.
"We also learnt of the difficulties many refugees face once they do get
temporary protection visas because they often do not speak English and are not
entitled to full access to housing and educational services" Ms Jongen said.
"The public forum voted unanimously to start a Rural Australians for Refugees
group in the Clarence Valley and a steering committee was formed to organise
the first meeting of the group. The dates of the first meeting will be made
public and all those interested will be welcome to attend" she said.
For more information or comment contact Kaya Jongen on 02-6649-4271 or use the form below to send an email now.
