Free the Burmese Refugees held on Nauru
"While the Australian Government express outrage at the Burmese military junta's treatment of the Burmese people, we continue to detain 7 Burmese men on Nauru even though we recognise them as refugees. These men fled the Burmese regime to Malaysia where they were again persecuted. They are members of a minority group called Rohingyas." said Pamela Curr from the Refugee Convention Defenders Alliance.
See also: Vigil for Burma 2/10 | Video: Vigil 27/9
Video: Protest in Sydney 6/10
"This is not the first time that Australia has locked up the victims of dictators -We are asking this time that the minister show some compassion and bring these refugees to Australia so that they can start their lives again." said Pamela Curr.
Australian immigration (DIAC) dumped the Burmese asylum seekers on Nauru in August 2006. In October 2006 applications for protection allowed and lodged. DIAC officials refused to interview the men in April 2007. They were interviewed in July 2007 10 months after the applications lodged, and found to be refugees but left on Nauru.
"Let us remind Mr ANDREWS that compassion begins at home. We cannot save all the Burmese but we can save these 7 desperate men who sought our help. This action would be in accordance with our signing onto the UN Convention on Refugees." said Pamela Curr.
A protest was held outside the office of Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews Office on Wednesday 3rd October. Pamela Curr reported:
"Thanks to the 30 people who came to the most inhospitable, noisy, windy hill in Melbourne to protest outside Kevin Andrews office. We took photos and gathered signatures on a petition to present to the minister. As the world weeps for the Burmese, we ask Minister Andrews to grant visas to the 7 Burmese refugees on Nauru. One small simple humanitarian gesture for 7 men who have suffered torture and persecution. They fled to Malaysia which has one of the worlds worst records for its treatment of refugees. They then had to flee again and care of the Australian government are dumped on Nauru."
"I went upstairs to inform the the Ministers office that a peaceful protest was taking place downstairs and that we would not be coming up. The office is hidden away on the second floor. TRUTH is not a strong point in the Ministers office it seems. I was told by the office staff that "The minister is not in the office today". She did not have to tell me this as I had not inquired as to his presence. Found out later quite by accident that she was lying- he was in the office. A small thing one might say but this is the man who is writing and directing the "values debate " for new citizens. While we might think that telling the truth is a universal value- clearly the Minister directs his staff otherwise."
Please phone /fax/email and remind him that Australians hearts are big enough to welcome the Burmese.
1st Floor
651 Doncaster Road
Doncaster 3108
Victoria
Phone 03 9848 9900
Fax 03 9848 2741
Email kevin.andrews.mp@aph.gov.au
