This Friday, leaders of the Asia Pacific will gather at an emergency summit in Bangkok to tackle the unprecedented refugee crisis unfolding off the coast of south-east Asia.
So far, our own government’s response has been horribly inadequate. “Nope, nope, nope” condemns innocent people to die.
As a country, we must do better.
After more than 26,000 Australians signed our petition last week, we saw some good progress on this issue: Malaysia announced it would take in 7,000 people stranded at sea.
Unfortunately, this falls short of what’s needed. There are still thousands of people currently stuck on boats, and with dwindling food and fuel supplies most won’t make it ashore without help.
Australia can save people’s lives, now and in the future, by taking a lead role at Friday’s emergency summit.
We must push for, and assist with, immediate search and rescue operations. At the same time, we must champion new solutions like creating safe routes to protection for refugees in our region.
We know that many of those stranded in boats, in need of rescue, are Rohingya people — a persecuted ethnic minority from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The Rohingya are stateless with no citizenship rights. Because of this, they’re often victims of human trafficking. Wherever they go, they face discrimination, violence and hardship.
It’s no wonder they flee.
In hope,
Graeme McGregor
Refugee Campaign Coordinator
Amnesty International Australia
PS. “Nope, nope, nope” condemns people to die.
Tell Minister Bishop: Australia must do better.
o enable desktop notifications for Gmail. Learn more Hide
Australia must stand up for Rohingya
Graeme, Amnesty International Australia <actioncentre@amnesty.org.au> Unsubscribe
|
|
|
|
|
Thousands of people are still stranded in boats off the coast of south-east Asia.
Tell the Australian Government they must step up and take responsibility.
|
|
|
This Friday, leaders of the Asia Pacific will gather at an emergency summit in Bangkok to tackle the unprecedented refugee crisis unfolding off the coast of south-east Asia.
So far, our own government’s response has been horribly inadequate. “Nope, nope, nope” condemns innocent people to die.
As a country, we must do better.
After more than 26,000 Australians signed our petition last week, we saw some good progress on this issue: Malaysia announced it would take in 7,000 people stranded at sea.
Unfortunately, this falls short of what’s needed. There are still thousands of people currently stuck on boats, and with dwindling food and fuel supplies most won’t make it ashore without help.
Australia can save people’s lives, now and in the future, by taking a lead role at Friday’s emergency summit.
We must push for, and assist with, immediate search and rescue operations. At the same time, we must champion new solutions like creating safe routes to protection for refugees in our region.
We know that many of those stranded in boats, in need of rescue, are Rohingya people — a persecuted ethnic minority from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The Rohingya are stateless with no citizenship rights. Because of this, they’re often victims of human trafficking. Wherever they go, they face discrimination, violence and hardship.
It’s no wonder they flee.
In hope,
Graeme McGregor
Refugee Campaign Coordinator
Amnesty International Australia
|
|
|
|
|
|
