Send a message to our Prime Minister
Dear Friend,
It's hard to believe -- but a few days ago the Rudd Government announced a policy that many thought could only be dreamed up by John Howard himself. Australia has become the first country in the world to stop processing asylum-seeker applications from Afghanis & Sri Lankans fleeing persecution in their war-torn countries.
On the day of the Government's announcement, a young Sri Lankan teenager gave in to despair and attempted suicide, after languishing in detention for 11 months on Christmas Island. Today there's news of more desperation, with a hunger strike by 50 Sri Lankan and Afghan asylum seekers.
Can you take a stand against this frightening return to the dark days of refugees in custody? Tell Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, that Australians reject a return to this shameful past:
www.getup.org.au/campaign/peopleabovepolitics
The Government claims that circumstances are changing in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, making them safer places to live.
The truth? We've been consulting with sources on the ground in these troubled and turbulent nations. Hazarras, an ethnic minority in Afghanistan, continue to be arbitrarily imprisoned and face violence and death, while in Sri Lanka even independent journalists are under threat and seeking escape.
Refugee opponents are busy sending hundreds of messages to our leaders urging a return to the 'Howard' style hard-line approach. Their messages are piling up on the desks of decision-makers. That's why we need to ensure that Chris Evans, the Minister for Immigration, is met with a pile of messages of support for a humane refugee policy so high that he literally can't see those sent by the forces of fear and intolerance.
Can you take a minute to send the Minister a message?
www.getup.org.au/campaign/peopleabovepolitics
While the Liberal Party drums up their election year rhetoric with hyperbole, the Government sticks with an old favorite - hypocrisy. We know the script. But what happens next?
Newcomers to Australia's shores face a very bleak future: indefinite detention or the prospect of being sent back to face violence and possible death. We must make no mistake - these policies will see a return to the dark days of 2004: suicides, hunger strikes and our nation's reputation in tatters.
Join other GetUp members in sending the Minister a powerful, timely message before things get further out of hand:
www.getup.org.au/campaign/peopleabovepolitics
The events of the last few days show that this Government needs a wake up call. In the past we've proven that our leaders will only ever soar as high as we demand -- and they'll fall as low as we allow. That's why, as voters, we must stand together and demand that we never go back to the dark days of the past.
With hope,
The Getup Team
P.S. This policy shift breaches a pre-election promise to process 90 percent of arrivals within 90 days and to not engage in 'indefinite detention'. But it's just the latest in their broken promises on refugees and asylum seekers. Take action here.
