Refugees from different cultural backgrounds are staging weekly protests outside David Coleman’s office in Revesby to demand an end of their sufferings. David Coleman is a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bank and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
According to their press release, the “boat people” are subjected to very harsh treatment since 2014, which includes; no family reunion and easy cancellation of temporary protection for minor issues. Even the ones who managed to get permanent residence are denied family reunion until they gain citizenship.
Thousands were not provided a chance to demonstrate their cases. Others were refused to be recognised as refugees through unfair and non-transparent fast-track process, with no right to have their claims heard by AAT.
The affected refugees and asylum seekers, numbered up to 30,000 people, are determined to continue their protest and activities until they see an end to their suffering, stated the press release.
The long separation of families, which violates domestic and international laws and treaties on protecting children and families, is taking its toll on the health of affected families. Most of the affected refugees and asylum seekers and their families had developed deep mental health issues, causing family breakdowns, which is affecting the health of their children, some as young as few years.
Many refugees and asylum seekers did not meet their own children who were born after their departure to seek asylum in Australia. The current legislation prevents fathers to go and see their children and wives. Many refugees on temporary protection visa (and even on Permanent Protection visas) had their visas cancelled for travelling to see their children, stated the press release.
Some refugees are married to Australian citizens, but are not allowed to apply for partner visa under the current legislation.
According to their press release, most of the affected refugees and asylum seekers are working and contributing to Australian economy and public life.
Their weekly protests started from 26th of August 2019, and are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of the week.
