Asylum seeker numbers reflect global trends

16 April 2009

Media Release Friday 17th April 2009

For Immediate release

Asylum seeker numbers reflect global trends

A Just Australia, a national refugee policy organisation, has today called for rational debate on the recent asylum seeker arrivals.

"It is unfortunate that some have sought to exploit desperate asylum seekers for political advantage. The fact is that Australia is experiencing the same small increase in numbers currently happening all over the world. There is no increase due to policy change." said Kate Gauthier, National Coordinator.

Global numbers of asylum seekers have been rising for some time. According to UNHCR, the recent increases in Australia are reflected in the global trends. During 2001-2006, all countries experienced a large drop in asylum applications, then in 2007-2008 there was a universal increase of around 11%. Source UNHCR http://www.unhcr.org.au/pdfs/AsylumReport2008_Final_notembargoed.pdf

"The statistics from UNHCR show that Australia's recent small increase in asylum arrivals are the same increases that all other countries are experiencing. It has nothing to do with domestic policy. It must also be remembered that there was a huge surge in boat arrivals after deterrent policies were introduced, such as temporary protection visas." Ms Gauthier said.

"The fact is that so-called harsh policies do not stop desperate people who are fleeing war and persecution. The only thing that works is creating safe options for refugees closer to home so they are not forced to travel the world seeking a secure, permanent haven."

Given the recent politicised debate on this issue, A Just Australia challenges all political parties to develop clear and written policies on asylum seekers.

"We are keen to see the Coalition develop a policy on this issue, because so far all we've had is reaction to Government policy. It would be interesting to see how they would actually go about stopping asylum seeking without breaching our human rights obligations. Do they really want to see Australia returning to pushing back boats of persecuted women and children?"


For media comment:
Kate Gauthier 0414 876 139