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Refugee Protection Bill is far better policy than current inhumane treatment of asylum seekers
18th Jun 2018
The Refugee Protection Bill introduced into Parliament today by Andrew Wilkie MP would ensure a far safer and more humane response to people seeking asylum, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“It is a far better policy than the current cruel and inhumane arrangements Australia has in place for asylum seekers,” said Greg Barns, spokesperson for the ALA. “Importantly, this Bill would help us to meet our obligations under international human rights law.
“The Bill has an underlying commitment to children’s rights and the welfare of the family. As the many examples of violence and abuse in immigration detention indicate, the protection of children is far too often neglected at the moment.
“Over many years, we have seen the ongoing and abject failure of the ALP and Coalition to establish a regional framework for the timely processing of asylum claims. This Bill provides a sustainable and workable alternative that meets our legal and human rights obligations.
“We applaud Andrew Wilkie’s decision to introduce this Bill and call on the government and opposition to support it.”
The ALA is a national association of lawyers, academics, and other professionals dedicated to protecting and promoting justice, freedom and the rights of the individual.
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