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The Forum > Article Comments > Why we need a new policy on refugees > Comments

Why we need a new policy on refugees : Comments

By Petro Georgiou, published 31/5/2005

Petro Georgiou argues it's time for compassion and accountability in handling asylum seekers.

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Thank you Penekiko, and I understand your explanation perfectly well, but I still think that it is a bit of an assumption to assume the female is the safer of the two, it is still is a bit rife with sexism and the assumption that females are the "gentler" sex and therefore safer.

And the matter of children (as the article addressed it) was children under 18. I think we all know from current youth violence all over the world, that there are no real age restrictions as to when violent behavior begins. Very young children have been used as suicide bombers, and there are those as young as 8 bearing arms willingly for terrorist organizations, generally with their parents support. On talking to a Desert Storm vet, one of her worst problems there was that many of the "enemy" (in this case the Iraqi army under Saddam) had barely hit puberty, aged 13 or 14. That was very difficult for her to rationalize, but they were shooting at her. Hard for Westerners to deal with certainly, but a common and excepted practice in the Middle East.

The fact is, it seems, that immigration must take each case on a personal basis, as they should be doing now, and although I don't particularly like the idea of small children (I'm speaking of primarily toddlers) being separated from their parents, perhaps if detention is more detrimental to their mental health, that should be considered. I also believe that processing times should be stepped up for the parents, giving them priority over non parents. That may already be the case, I'm not certain.
Posted by Buttonbright, Thursday, 2 June 2005 10:25:58 AM
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Davo,

The poll isn't "mine", it belongs to Rights Australia. Are they the "socialist" organisation you are referring to? The National Forum exists to facilitate the activities of all sorts of groups who support the site. If one of our other institutional members wanted to post a poll or petition we would do that for them as well.

Sounds like a cop-out to me. The whole process is completely transparent. Anyone can vote and the results are displayed on the page as the votes occur. And because of the way this site runs it actually provides the possibility of supporting or opposing the proposition. You seem to be suggesting that only propositions with which you agree ought to be posted.
Posted by GrahamY, Thursday, 2 June 2005 12:48:25 PM
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Davo contends:

"I've just spent the day with an Indian and a Maori, who were making 'racist' jibes about the chinese and aboriginals all day".

While the factual basis of this assertion is plausible I reckon you've just invented this to support your own redneck views. But that’s what makes you such a brave boy now don’t it bro!
Posted by Rainier, Thursday, 2 June 2005 5:22:45 PM
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I am actually not opposed completely to the idea of locking people up. As long as the conditions are humane, which at the moment they're not and they are promptly charged with a crime, given a defence team and allowed to settle the matter in a fair court.

It would at least make sense if "You are hearby sentenced to 10 years prison along with your 3 year old daughter and mentally ill mother for the crime of illegally entering Australia", even if it was totally inhumane, unreasonable etc... After the 10 years they would be deported.

But of course no crime has been committed as it is not a crime to seek asylum, even if you are forced to enter Australia illegally. If it was a crime people would be charged and sentenced like in mmy above example. I am very confused.
Posted by Penekiko, Thursday, 2 June 2005 6:57:46 PM
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I agree with most of Petro Georgiou's proposal. I may not be fully aware of all the laws that are involved here but I was under the impression that Australia was and is a signituary to the United Nations Convention for Refugees. With that in mind the part I am not sure about is that if someone is found to be a genuine refugee they will be allowed to remain in Australia. Isn't Australia obligated to inform the United Nations that refugees have arrived on our shores and are needing a safe haven. Australia should only have to take its quota of these refugees and other copuntries called upon by the United Nations to open there hearts and countries to the rest. It is the idea that everyone will be allowed to stay HERE that is so off putting to many Australians. Many peopele now Australian citizens have lined up at embassies around the world to immigrate here. That's where the queue jumping mentality steps in. Please use all available means not just the local National Government but the World Community.
Posted by Mr Average, Friday, 3 June 2005 11:39:28 AM
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The saddest thing in all of this is that ever since John Howard blew his dog whistle around the time several hundred desperate adults and children perished en route to a supposedly safe place - Ugly Australians have felt entitled to mock caring people.... people whose imagination and empathies don't stop at the borders of this former colony.

If my family had been in danger because of tyranny in my home country, I hope my parents would have had the courage to sell up everything to get us out by whatever means it took. I hope I would have the courage to do the same for my own children. Sadly, the Ugly Australian can't imagine having to get off their arses to save themselves and their own families, so they condemn and cruelly misrepresent those who have had to do those things. The Ugly Australian has no imagination, hence no ability, to empathise at all. Of course it's easy to take the greedy, self-serving short sighted path - the best option certainly for people who don't want to be joined by others with more initiative, more courage and - yep - more 'ticker' than they have. What a pity. What a lost opportunity and waste.

And lest I be accused of glorifying all refugees, I acknowledge that some who slip through are quite possibly entirely ordinary. But so what?! They should fit in very well......

Interesting to cast your eyes over these posts, seeing each one of us firstly as a Jew, gay or gypsy, and then as a 'native' German or Pole in 1938. Then to predict who among us would have condemned, and who among us would harboured the minority person at risk from the mob.....
Posted by Fiona, Friday, 3 June 2005 3:49:45 PM
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