In Australia, there are three underlying issues impacting refugees and asylum seekers that must be realised. These are that Australia does not do nearly enough to protect those seeking asylum, the inhuman treatment of refugees in detention centres and also the daily struggle of that group of refugees that have settled into Australian society. Therefore the strict policies on immigration must be evaluated and changed by the Australian government. The overall purpose of this speech is to provide practical ways that Nudgee College students can apply and help advocate the issue of refugees and asylum seekers.
To begin, what prompts the huge number of refugees and asylum seekers in the world? First, one must know the difference is between a refugee and an asylum seeker. According to the website of the Australian Parliament House, the major difference between the two is that an asylum seeker is someone who is seeking international protection but whose claim for refugee status has not yet been determined (aph 2015). In contrast, a refugee is someone who has been recognised under the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees to be a refugee. The following are the main causes that result in people to seek asylum. Firstly, they’re forced to flee due to persecution for political or religious beliefs, nationality, ethnicity or membership of a particular social group. Secondly, they are inclined to leave as a result of war and they're displaced due to natural disasters and climate change. Finally, severe discrimination as a result of gender or sexual orientation. (oxfam 2018) (borganmagazine 2018). Often Australian citizens are oblivious to the facts that these people don't have a choice to stay in their country.
Secondly, how do refugees adjust when they enter the community and how are asylum seekers affected when they are detained at detention centres? Many Australian citizens may believe that once a refugee enters a community their problems are over. In fact many struggle with issues including racism, poverty and lack of employment opportunities. Furthermore, the encounters refugees face before they come to Australia significantly affects both their physical and mental health. After arriving at Australia, the process of settling can be incredibly stressful and also make their health worse(refugeecouncil 2016). Australian Law requires the detention of all non residents who try to enter the country without a legitimate visa. This results in immigration officials detaining those who arrive without permission (Australian Human Rights Commision 2004) in offshore centres such as Nauru. They are kept here until health, identity and security checks can be obtained (Refugee Council 2016). What is most appalling is the prolonged amount of time that the refugees spend in detention centres. As of the 31st of March 2018, 1308 people were held in detention centres with average length of 416 days spent inside (Refugee Council 2018). This is not acceptable in a country with the prosperity and supposed generosity of Australia. Iranian refugee Mohsen Soltany spent 4 years in immigration detention and described it as a “hell, ” and stated, “ You think that Australia is one of those countries that respect human rights but it’s totally different”. Dr Zachary Steele a Professor of Trauma and Mental Health reports, “after 6-9 months we see quite bad mental health outcomes in a large portion of the population, there's something about detention environments that leads to deteriorating mental health.” Finally, ou may be thinking, refugees haven’t contributed to society? This is a common misconception, today Australia is more multicultural than ever before. This is a reality through the food we eat, the music we listen to and the people we surround ourselves with. Famous Australian Comedian and author Anh Doh is a prime example of when a refugee and contributed highly in our society.
As christians, we as Nudgee men should aim to aid the issue of refugees and asylum seekers? The following bible passage is a relevant teaching on this world issue and provides us with the way we should treat them. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you in your land must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself…” (leviticus 19:33-34) Although this passage was written when the world was a different place it still provides relevance today. As a school and a nation we should mirror this passage and treat the foreigner (refugees and asylum seekers) as our own. To expand, the Catholic Social Teaching holds that, “anyone who is forced to move to preserve their lives or human dignity has a moral claim on the hospitality of others. Beyond responding to immediate needs it also requires the protection of rights and the transformation of the causes of displacement” (social-spirituality). This is extremely pertinent to the issue as it describes the treatment that those seeking asylum should receive and the importance of resolving the underlying causes.
What do encyclicals and the Edmund Rice Touchstones say about refugees and asylum seekers? The touchstone of Inclusive Community states that, “our community should be accepting and commit to the common good”. Additionally Justice and solidarity reads, “our community is committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the earth itself”. These two touchstones indicate that we should treat all others as equals and to aid those who are marginalised. To expand Pope Francis the 6th wrote in the book Gaudium Et Spes, “While an immense mass of people still lack the absolute necessities of life, others live sumptuously or squander wealth. Luxury and misery rub shoulders”. The current refugee crisis in Australia is a prime example of when the ‘luxury’ (Australian citizens) rubs shoulder with the ‘misery’ (refugees and asylum seekers).
What can Nudgee students do to act justly when in relation to the issue of refugees and asylum seekers and can they provide an impact? As a proud Christian brother school we must strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and live out the Edmund Rice Touchstones. An aim of this is to help the issue Australia faces with refugees and asylum seekers. The first thing we can do and arguably the most pivotal is to offer social support and friendship to any refugees we meet in the community as they often feel outcasted and lonely. This can play an important role in boosting their mental health. Furthermore, personally donating or convincing a parent to donate to organizations that help refugees will go a long way. Examples of these organisations include, The Red Cross Foundation which provides financial relief and links refugee and asylum seekers to housing, education and social support programs. Another organisation is Save The Children which works with Syrian refugees and provides them with food clothing and shelter. Another way we can tackle this issue is getting involved in grassroot groups such as Save the Children learning programs and Amnesty International local actions groups. Finally, visiting people detained in the Brisbane immigration transit accommodation will help put a smile on their face ( smh). By doing the things listed above it will help refugees in the community become more positive and also help fund major organisations and in turn refugees.
To conclude, refugees and asylum seekers must flee their homes and seek asylum in Australia where they are then treated with disregard. We examined the causes of why refugees and asylum seekers become displaced, what happens to them when they enter a community and when detained in detention centres, reviewing what the bible and the Catholic Social Teachings say about this issue as well as the Edmund Rice Touchstones and encyclicals and what Nudgee College students can do to act in justice towards this issue.