Please find below the Media release announcing that 72 of the Srilankan asylum seekers on Nauru have been given refugee status. Before you jump for joy read on to the tricky part. They will not be allowed to come to Australia but will have to wait to get a place in a MYTHICAL THIRD COUNTRY which means that they will lanquish on Nauru until they become so physically and mentally debilitated that Australia has no option other than to offer them a home here.
This is what happened to the Afghan and Iraqi refugees who waited on Nauru for over 5 years.
We cannot let the mistakes of the past be repeated. Make sure that all Australians know what is happening and call Andrews office to let him know that if we have determined that these folk are refugees that we have a responsibility to bring them and the Burmese refugees to Australia to start a new life. We will be the richer in every way for it.
DONT BE CONNED- a 3rd country option is an option for a future of waiting on Nauru.
Pamela Curr
The Hon Kevin Andrews MP
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Media Release
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
KA087/07
Status of Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers
Today my department has advised 72 Sri Lankan asylum seekers that they have been assessed as being refugees.
One Sri Lankan asylum seeker has been advised that he has been refused refugee status. He is able to seek review of that decision, and he is being advised of his options.
These asylum seekers are part of the group of 83 who were intercepted by HMAS Success in the early hours of 20 February, en route to Christmas Island
Each case has been decided on its own merits using the tests set out in the Refugees Convention.
A further two Sri Lankans were found to be refugees by the UNHCR in Indonesia before they travelled to Australia .
Assessments for seven other Sri Lankans in Nauru are still under consideration. These cases will be finalised when outstanding issues have been resolved.
One of the Sri Lankans is in Perth for medical treatment and his refugee status assessment is still to be determined.
Australia is now exploring resettlement options in other countries for the Sri Lankans that have been assessed as being refugees. They will remain in Nauru while arrangements are made to resettle them elsewhere.
The successful reduction in the number of people seeking to enter Australia unlawfully has been a direct result of the Howard Government’s clear policy that persons who seek to enter Australia illegally will not be settled in Australia .
Australia has one of the world’s highest refugee and humanitarian intakes. This is made possible by the success of our strong border policy.
Media enquiries: Kate Walshe 0421 588 794
