INFORM-ACTION
Issue
Number 45 - August
2002
-
I was a stranger and you made me welcome -
Exploring an Alternative
Asylum Seeker Policy
A
commonly heard response to criticism of the present system
of treating asylum seekers and refugees is "come up with
a workable alternative". Many groups and individuals who
work with refugees and asylum seekers in this country and those
who view the present system as unjust are working on alternative
approaches to this issue. The Australian Conference of Leaders
of Religious Institutes, in collaboration with others, is working
to produce an alternative model, a humanitarian one. It is
yet to be published, but hopefully, it will attract wide attention.
It may even be a stimulus for bringing about some changes to
the present system.
A humanitarian program
needs to balance protection of our borders with a dignified
way of treating those who seek refuge in this country. For
a list of the key ingredients for an alternative humanitarian
program, click
here.
There is no doubt
that justice and compassion can be balanced with a legitimate
national interest.
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