Australia’s Treatment of Asylum Seekers - The Catholic Response.

146 Children, 142 Women, 65 Men.

Positions taken by the Australian Government after their 2001 election campaign prevented any attempt being made to save the lives of these people, in international waters, after the sinking of the Siev X in late October of that year.

Crossing the waters between Indonesia and Christmas Island in search of a better life is an action taken by asylum seekers despite its dangers. In recent years, our country has made it harder for these people to achieve happiness, and has denied them the right to seek asylum.

Those asylum seekers who have reached Australian territories have experienced public hostility and are treated like criminals. The situation inside Australia’s Detention Centres is miserable. With many experiencing mental health problems caused by the physical separation from the freedom they sought & the uncertainty of waiting for a decision on your future, your life in someone else’s hands.

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People’s lives should be more important than political gain.