Transcript ASWC_BUC_May11 - Brunswick Uniting Church

Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre
www.aswc.org.au
Australia’s Migration Program
Migration progam
170,000
Skilled
67.5%
Humanitarian Program
13,750
Family
32.3%
Refugees Offshore
6000
Other (onshore and SHP)
7750
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
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A refugee is someone who is… ‘outside their
country of origin… is unable or unwilling to
return… due to a well-founded fear of
persecution on the basis of race, religion,
nationality, political opinion or membership
of a particular social group’
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This is a legal definition, defined as part of the
United Nations Convention Relating to the
Status of Refugees
The Humanitarian Program
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Offshore component – found to be refugees
outside Australia; then helped to settle here
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Refugee program - UNHCR
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Special humanitarian program – family
Onshore component – apply for protection after
arriving in Australia; must ‘prove’ they are
refugees before here – i.e. Asylum Seekers
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Irregular arrivals (detention)
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Community-based asylum seekers
Asylum seekers – the facts
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It is legal to seek asylum in Australia,
irrespective of mode of arrival
Nearly all asylum seekers who arrive by boat
are found to be genuine refugees.
Asylum seekers make up less than 5% of
Australia’s annual immigration.
Those arriving by boat make up less than 2%
of Australia’s annual immigration.
Real stories – Mau
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Christian minister in village in Burma
Persecution based on religious practices
Fled to Thailand / Bangkok
Temporary visa – visit friend
Applied for protection upon arrival
Real stories - Chaman
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Of Hazara ethnic minority, Afghanistan
Taliban – recruiting, killing boys / young men
Lost family members
People smugglers to Indonesia, Australia –
Nauru for three years
Protection. Settled in Brisbane.
The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre
The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre aims to
create a safe and welcoming place for asylum
seekers and provide a range of support services
relevant to their needs.
The Centre operates on a community development
model, with a strong emphasis on social support
and programs designed to foster community
connection.
The ASWC’s clients
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Asylum seekers living on the community
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Former asylum seekers (continued support after
permanent residency attained)
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Approx. 40 clients at any one time
The Refugee Status Determination Process
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Multi-stage process: complex, lengthy,
unpredictable. Can be re-traumatising.
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Visas, entitlements and access to support
services change at different stages
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New language, culture
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Asylum seekers are often separated from family
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Socially isolating
Client Support
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Computer and phone access
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Welcome, social support and community
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Variety of programs designed to foster community
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Support with housing, employment, education,
emergency relief, etc.
Programs and Projects
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Dinner program
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Saturday Lunch
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English classes
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Computer classes
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Photography and Art programs
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Conversation sessions
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Social and recreational activities
Funding and Support
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Auspiced by Broadmeadows Uniting Care
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Support from Brunswick Uniting Church
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Good Shepherd and Mary McKillop sisters
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Moreland City Council
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Victorian Multicultural Commission
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Other funding sources
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Grants
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Fundraising
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Private donations