Asylum seekers Flashcards
Define asylum seeker
Asylum seekers are people seeking international protection but whose claims for
refugee status have not yet been determined (J.Phillips, Australian Government).
How do asylum seekers arrive?
arrive either in boats or by plane, some arrive without a valid visa or any documentation for identity.
What happens if they arrive by boat?
if they arrive by boat, they are subject to Australia’s ‘turn back the boats policy’ therefore they are transferred to a third country until processed.
Outline briefly the nature of a contemporary issue that generates tension and conflict in society.
The dignity of a human person is threatened by the rejection of asylum seekers is a contemporary issue in Australia that generates tension and conflict in society. Asylum seekers flee from their countries due to persecution by the government of their country, from war to seek protection in other countries (due to nationality, race, religion, political opinion or membership in a group. In Australia, the law towards Asylum seekers is harsh and against their human rights as they are either pushed back to the countries they ran from (especially if they come by boat) or they get put in inhumane living conditions on offshore detention centres.
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Catholic belief - catholic social teaching) (Genesis 1:27)
It generates tension due to the inhumane conditions and treatment that goes against many people’s, especially the Catholic social teaching of Human Dignity. Which these people do not have. The Catholic belief is also that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27) therefore their very nature and inherent value, worth and distinction is taken away.
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Catholic belief - Jesus) (Matthew 25:35)
Also the pushing these people back to the danger, is contradictory towards the story of Jesus, who was also once seeking asylum from danger, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 So pushing these people away is like pushing Jesus away.
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Catholic view) (interaction) Bishops
The Australian Catholic social Justice council launched a statement titled, “For those who’ve come across the seas: Justice for refugees and asylum seekers.” in 2015. It announces that asylum seekers should be process onshore and a limitation of time spent in detention centres to undertake required. They reached out to children that they should not be detained, due to the belief that all children are entitled to a healthy family life with their parents.
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Societal view) (politically)
Tony Abbot stated in 2015 that Australians were “sick of being lectured by the UN” about their human rights violations occurring in the detention centres which hasn’t changed. In reality, Australian public has demonstrated that they weren’t okay.
Belief that bringing asylum seekers will be expensive and at the expense of the jobs of Australians
Belief that since they come from the danger they could be the danger.
What are features of this issue?
Definition of asylum seekers Mode of Arrival Third country processing/offshore processing Conditions in Detention centres Mental health issues.
What is the policy for Asylum seekers? When was it introduced?
Australia’s Migration Act 1958 requires all ‘unlawful non-citizens to be detained in mandatory detention centres, regardless of circumstances, until they are granted a visa or leave the country.
Introduced in 1992
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Societal view) (against Tony Aboot) (3)
Human rights watch released its 2016 World Report, shaming Australia’s asylum seeker policy states that ‘the government’s failure to respect international standards for asylum seekers and refugees continues to take a heavy toll’
Criticising Australia for outsourcing from poorer countries, Nauru and Papua New Guinea, the practise of turning boats back where asylum seekers are held for indefinite periods without hope of ever being resettled.
Explain why this issue generates tension and conflict within society. (Catholic view) (interaction)
Caritas (2)
- website tells stories of individuals who have become refugees
- offers many resources that educate people about numbers and needs of refugees
What are 6 things to mention for the identification of the issue of Asylum seekers?
- Definition of asylum seeker
• Mode of Arrival
• Third Country Processing/Offshore Processing
• Conditions in Detention Centres
• Mental health issues
• Human Dignity is NOT being respected = issue in their treatment
Why do Asylum seekers flee their countries
• Asylum seekers may be fleeing war or persecution due to skin colour, race, religion,
political ideologies, etc.
What laws are there for visas? (3)
Australia’s Migration Act 1958 requires all “unlawful non-citizens” (that is, people
who are not Australian citizens and do not have a valid visa) to be detained in
mandatory detention centres, regardless of circumstances, until they are granted a
visa or leave the country. This policy was introduced in 1992 and has been
maintained by successive governments
Under the 1958 migration act, asylum seekers must remain in detention until they
are granted a visa or removed from Australia.
Asylum seekers must apply for visas in order to be granted protection
