Stay safe in these uncertain times.

A shocking statistic that most of us likely don’t know is that more than 80 million people, which is 1 percent of the world’s population, has been displaced, and 40 percent of these refugees are children. What we do know is that Australia’s policies around refugees are a national shame.

 

Thursday’s pre-lockdown number 4 meeting saw a moving presentation by Dr Karen Dunwoodie, founder and co-director of Deakin University’s CREATE (Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education) program, and Nicole Brown, co-coordinator of the Project Dignity Australia Crisis Relief Program, report the plight of those seeking asylum in Australia.

Although Australia is a signatory to the 1951 UNHCR Refugee Convention and it is not illegal to seek asylum in Australia, we’re the only country in the world where mandatory detention is enshrined in legislation and people on temporary of bridging visas are without government support or protection. CREATE helps asylum seekers find meaningful employment and educational opportunities. Project Dignity Australia facilitates a range of practical, educational and cultural activities that contribute to breaking down cultural and religious barriers, as well as helping to relieve poverty and disadvantage.