As I write, the result of Saturdays federal election reveals our nation is divided as to which political party should govern the country.
One of the campaign issues for the various parties was that of asylum seekers or, ”boat people” as they were called. What the election did tell us, was that over one million Australians voted for the Green party with their policy to increase the refugee intake.
“Asylum seekers and refugees can and do make as valuable a contribution to the nation as other migrants. They should be welcomed with respect and compassion.” (Extract from The Salvation Army Statements for the Federal Election 2010, p.10)
These people are human beings, many of whom have fled atrocity, trauma and suffering, and they ought not be treated as anonymous, but need support and assistance to find their way.
Thanks for this reminder about our imperative as God’s people to welcome asylum seekers and refugees with respect, compassion AND, if I may add: ongoing practical support to restore a sense of dignity and purposeful life in this country as appropriate. Should the asylum seeker/refugee issue be encouraged as a bible study topic in our corps small groups?
These people deserve a life of dignity which is nothing more than a basic human right enjoyed by most of us.
Of course they should be welcomed. They also need to be processed properly and those granted refugee status should be educated properly in english and taught about Australian life. Unfortunately when a lot of people voted Greens they didn’t really look into all the Greens policies. Yes Greens have some good and noble policies, but the amount of ridiculous and irresponsible policies they have far outweigh the good policies they do have.
I think the real issue with asylum seekers is the time to process them, although in the vast majority of cases it’s not too bad. As of June or July there were just over 4000 asylum seekers in various forms of detention, with most of them only being here 3 months and more than 90% being in detention under a year. It doesn’t help when they destroy their documentation deliberately either and when that occurs I seriously question whether they’re genuine or not
Let’s face it Aaron, all political parties have their strengths and weaknesses, the point of this comment has to do with people being treated with respect and dignity, in the same way as you and I might like to be treated.
Absolutely they should be treated with respect and dignity, and I think the first step in that process is educating them in english and australian way of life. I think they will gain more respect and dignity when they come into society if they can communicate properly and are able to engage in the wider community. I heard on the ABC radio that some ABC journalists travelled from Darwin to Smithton I think down in Tasmania. When they stopped in Shepparton where there is a large Iraqi population they asked one of the leaders of that particular group if the Iraqi men just sat around drinking coffee and smoking. Surprisingly he said yes, but it’s because they don’t have those communication skills to be able to engage in the community properly. I think it should be an expectation that these people are given english lessons otherwise we’re just going to see more and more enclaves and that’s what makes wider society wary and cynical
You know Aaron as I think about it, I am wondering if there is anything you can do to help arrange or facilitate english classes. Have you thought about having a chat to the Corps Officer and seeing if the Corps can partner a school, TAFE, community minded person or even to seek funding to teach people english?
This would provide good community action.
New migrants and refugees are not entitled to government supports such as Newstart and therefore have to work to survive. This however limits their opportunities to participate in English classes that are offerred only for a limited time and require full-time attendance. Catch 22! We can however assist these vulnerable people by volunteering as English language tutors through the local Migrant Resource Centre or Council. Each volunteer is paired with a new migrant and meet regularly for English conversation. Aspects of Aussie culture also feature in these informal chats. Often lasting friendships and meaningful links with the individual and their community develop.
This is a really good and practical response to the issue, thanks Kerrilyn for your input.
It was enlightening to view the segment entitled, ‘Rudd, refugees and rhetoric’ to be found at:
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/sstv/justsalvos.htm
Kris and Jen played the second verse of our National Anthem. The second verse (who knew we had a second verse!?) includes the little gem of a line, ‘for those who come across the seas we’ve boundless plains to share.’ After all, we aren’t we all refugees including the first aboriginal peoples?
Joy, thanks for drawing our attention to the linked program.
Thank you for speaking out Commissioner. It frightens me that both major parties felt that promising to keep out ‘boat people’ would win them votes. God forgive us!
My heart also goes out to the refugees in camps all around the world, those who are displaced and homeless, fleeing persecution, terrible living conditions and horrible atrocities, who haven’t the resources to be able to pay the people smugglers. There must be a feeling of helplessness as they wait and wait, hoping for a new life in a new homeland. I can’t begin to imagine how much courage it takes to leave home for an uncertain future, particularly if you are poor. I thank God for the peace and security of Australia, and am reminded that the world still needs to be won for Jesus. Reminded too of the importance of giving to the Army’s work in other territories.
Colin, thanks for joining the discussion. It is an enormous problem I agree, but the “person” must never be allowed to be lost in the discussion about the process.