Australia's 'cruel' asylum seeker policy slammed by over 190 experts
Over 190 individuals and organisations have signed a statement condemning Australia's asylum seeker policy, demanding the government adopt alternative solutions consistent with the Refugee Convention.
The Guardian reported that the 190 experts, which included leading human rights lawyers, religious leaders and refugee advocates, accused both major political parties of “wilfully and deliberately” pursuing harmful policies against asylum seekers.
The statement accused the Australian government of “pursuing a policy of detention for asylum-seekers, both adults and children, in spite of clear evidence that it causes psychiatric disorders, self-harm and suicide”, “engaging in forced deportations to situations of danger with confirmed fatal outcomes” and “encouraging racist media coverage.”
The Guardian reported that the 190 experts, which included leading human rights lawyers, religious leaders and refugee advocates, accused both major political parties of “wilfully and deliberately” pursuing harmful policies against asylum seekers.
The statement accused the Australian government of “pursuing a policy of detention for asylum-seekers, both adults and children, in spite of clear evidence that it causes psychiatric disorders, self-harm and suicide”, “engaging in forced deportations to situations of danger with confirmed fatal outcomes” and “encouraging racist media coverage.”
