09 June, 2011 | ACTU Media Release
Unions have restated their call for Australia to not deviate from a refugee policy that is humanitarian, compassionate, and that pays respect to international law.
Negotiations for regional processing agreements must proceed with care to ensure Australia’s international obligations are not breached, said ACTU President Ged Kearney.
“Any agreement must include protections of human rights, particularly the rights of children,” Ms Kearney said.
“Australia is a safe and wealthy nation, underpinned by the values of generosity and compassion and this has long extended to vulnerable people seeking protection from persecution in their home country.
“Australia has long been willing to provide shelter to vulnerable people seeking protection from trouble spots, war zones and persecution. This is something of which we should be proud.
“It is troubling to consider that in the past 12 months Australian values have been blurred by political division and conflict.
“But it would be unacceptable to allow that division and conflict to result in neglect of the rights of asylum seekers.
“We cannot allow our nation to be driven down a path in which children become the victims of political football games.
“We call for strong leadership from all politicians and for the courage to not fall victim to the views that seek to demonise asylum seekers or encourage Australia to abrogate its international obligations.
“We must treat any person seeking asylum on our shores with the same respect and compassion as our own people,” Ms Kearney said.
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