resource kit - Refugee Week

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The Refugee Council of Australia has chosen #WithRefugees as the theme for Refugee Week ... We hosted the biggest Refuge
RESOURCE KIT

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Refugee Week 2018

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF REFUGEE WEEK 2018

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Table of Contents What is RefugeeWeek………………………………….………………………….………………..4 #Withrefugees……….……………………………………………………………….…….….……….5 Planning an event………………………………………………………………………….….………8 Event Ideas………………………………………………………………………………..….………..15 Background information on refugees…………………………………………..….……….19 Teacher Resources…………………………………………………………………….…….……..31 Sponsors…………………………………………………………………………………….……….….49

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The Aims of Refugee Week: To educate the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australia. To help people understand the many challenges refugees face in coming to Australia. To celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community. To focus on how the community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees. For community groups and individuals to do something positive for refugees and people seeking asylum who are displaced within Australian and around the world. For service providers to reflect on whether they are providing the best possible services to refugees.

World Refugee Day on June 20 coincides with Refugee Week. This presents a greater opportunity to raise awareness and establish crucial dialogue in our communities about the local, national and international issues affecting refugees.

Refugee Week is a unique opportunity for us all to experience and celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities through theatre, music, dance, film and other educational or cultural events that take place all over Australia- highlighting the aims of the Week, as outlined to the left. Refugee Week is an umbrella participatory festival that allows a wide range of refugee community organisations, voluntary and statutory organisations, schools, student groups and faith- based organisations to host events during the week.

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#WithRefugees Refugee Week Theme The Refugee Council of Australia has chosen #WithRefugees as the theme for Refugee Week 2018 in Australia. Today, more than ever, we need a global movement to demand the safety and rights of refugees are protected. In Australia, it is the responsibility of our Government, and each one of us to ensure people forced to flee from their homes can live with dignity and with hope. A „Refugee‟ is a person; boy, girl, woman or man. Not a label, but human beings with a beating heart just like you and me. The refugee experience can be prolonged. Today there are more refugees than ever, and only by standing together #WithRefugees can we begin to change this.

We hosted the biggest Refugee Week to date in 2016

When history looks back will it be to see them standing alone or will it see we were standing #WithRefugees?

Refugee Week provides an opportunity for the Australian public to recognise and better understand the courage and contribution of refugees. People from across the world who have sought and in some cases found, safety in Australia. Hearing their stories during refugee week reminds us that these powerful people are defined by so much more than their past. People who today, are making many valuable contributions to Australian society and who show immense courage and resilience.

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The Refugee Week theme encourages Australians to:  Raise awareness of the issues affecting refugees. The theme aims to highlight aspects of the refugee experience and help the broader community to understand what it is like to be a refugee.  It helps to make Refugee Week a national celebration. The theme provides a focal point for events across Australia, uniting separate activities into a single nationwide celebration.  It promotes harmony and togetherness. The theme unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause. The common theme is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity.  It broadens the impact of Refugee Week. The theme provides a common, cohesive message which can be promoted across the country, helping to maximise the effectiveness of awareness-raising activities. All organisations and individuals holding events as part of Refugee Week are encouraged to link their activities to the national theme.

Refugee Week is an opportunity for ordinary Australians, advocates, faith groups, schools, politicians, organisations, artists and communities to show their support and stand #WithRefugees.

Logo for Refugee Week In sharing ideas and strategies, the UK Refugee Week Consortium has given permission for its Refugee Week logo to be used in Australia. The variety of colours in the logo speak of the diversity and energy brought to the welcoming country by refugees from many backgrounds. The logo is available for use by any organisation holding events in conjunction with Refugee Week which conform to the Refugee Week objectives of promoting understanding of refugees and asylum seekers, and celebrating the contributions and achievements of people who have experienced life as a refugee. Each organisation using the Refugee Week logo is required to inform the Refugee Council of Australia of the event, for inclusion in the national Refugee Week calendar. Events can be registered by uploading the details to our website at https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/events/

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Refugee Week Ambassadors are individuals who are either from a refugee background or have an interest and understanding of refugee and migrant issues in Australia. To see more of our ambassadors, click here. Mariam Issa fled the Somali civil war in 1991 with her two children on a packed boat that was one of few to make it across the seas to Kenya. Arriving in Australia in 1998 with her husband, four children and pregnant with her fifth child, she knew nothing of western culture. She did not also know the socio-economic demographic of the Melbourne suburb (Brighton) that the Australian government had her and her family settled in. It was no walk in the park, however Mariam was determined to integrate into this new community where it seemed nobody wanted her and her family. In 2012, Mariam launched her autobiography – A Resilient Life. And in the same year she confounded an incorporated non for profit organisation – RAW (Resilient Aspiring Women), to create better social environments for all women. Dr Munjed Al Muderis studied medicine at Baghdad University from 1991 to 1997. As a first year resident A/Prof Al Muderis was forced to flee Iraq as he refused Saddam‟s regime brutal orders to surgically remove the ears of soldiers who had escaped from the army. He ended up on a flimsy wooden boat heading to his new home, Australia. A/Prof Al Muderis‟ first job in Australia was at Mildura Base Hospital as an Emergency Unit and Orthopaedic Resident. A/Prof Al Muderis commenced his private practice in 2010 and is currently appointed as a Clinical Lecturer at Macquarie University Hospital and The Australian School of Advanced Medicine. He is also a world leading surgeon in the field of osseointegration surgery. In 2014 his memoir Walking Free, was published by Allen and Unwin.

Najeeba Wazefadost was 11 when she arrived in Australia along with four siblings and her pregnant mother. She describes the boat journey as a “death contract”, because it seemed an easier death than at the hands of the Taliban. Najeeba‟s passion was always to work with people, in a place where she could integrate her own personal experiences into her work. As well as an avid student, Najeeba works with newly arrived migrants to help them unlock education opportunities that would otherwise have not been available. “I hope to one day become an international lawyer to change the situation for people living in war-torn communities around the world while honouring my new life as an Australian citizen”

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Organising an event, however big or small, requires thought, planning and effort in order to be a success. Listed below are some things you might want to consider when planning your event.

What are you trying to achieve? So, you have decided that you want to do something to support Refugee Week. But what is it that you want to achieve by running the event? Maybe it is to raise funds for your group or for a refugee agency, or to raise awareness of important issues. It may be an opportunity to bring together refugee groups with the wider community, strengthen cross-cultural relationships, and allow local refugees and asylum-seekers to celebrate their culture and their contribution to Australia. You need to be clear about the objectives of the event before you start your planning.

What kind of event will you be holding? The following questions may help you formulate an idea for an event: 

Who is your target audience? A key aim of Refugee Week is attracting new audiences, so think about how your event can reach out to those who are not already familiar with the issues.



What do you think this audience will enjoy? Your event could be anything from a music, dance or poetry evening to a school fete, basketball tournament, debate or lecture.



Who will help you to organise it? Think about working in partnership with other organisations/individuals who can contribute to making the event successful.



When will the event take place? You may need to check what other events are going on during Refugee Week in your area. If possible, try not to double-book.



Which performers or guest speakers are available? Think about government representatives, well known community figures or celebrities and Refugee Ambassadors.

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Cover yourself! Before your being to publicise the event, check that your venue- be it a park, hall or elsewhereis safe and approved. For a large event, particularly if it is going to be outside, you may need insurance or permission from the local authority. Make sure you check with the venue that they have public liability to be safe. Also, you could notify the police and if necessary leaflet local residents to inform them of what‟s going to happen. You will need all the support you can get and this will also help with publicity. Budget wisely: having a well-planned will be an advantage when organising you event. Wherever possible, try to base your budget on real quotes rather than estimates. Even with the very best planning some unexpected costs may arise, so make sure you include a small contingency amount if your plan to help cover these.

Have a Plan B, just in case! Having a back-up plan is important. Compile a check-list of everything that you need to do to ensure your event runs smoothly, and make sure you thoroughly check that all possible precautions have been made and you have a plan to fall back on if anything drastic goes wrong. If your event is going to be outdoors, think about what you would do, or where you could go, if it rains.

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Effective publicity is vital in ensuring that your event is a success, so try to think as broadly as possible for where you may be able to publicise your event. Tell everyone you know and use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to spread the word. Live tweet from the event and include the hashtag #Withrefugees. Put up information on noticeboards in community centres, libraries, shops, churches, schools, universities, doctor‟s surgeries, restaurants and your workplace (although make sure that you get permission first, and don‟t forget that fly-posting is illegal!). You may want to organise ads in local magazines and newspapers, though of course it all depends on the size of your event and your budget. Remember to encourage everyone who is involved in organising the event to promote it through their personal and professional networks, including any newsletters or meeting that they may have been involved with. Also make sure you take advantage of the posters that the Refugee Council of Australia is providing. To place an order or to find out about our poster pick up points visit the Refugee Week website. If appropriate, think about inviting VIPs to your event, such as government officials, well-known community figures and celebrities. Ensure that they are mentioned in any publicity about the event as this may encourage others to attend. Social Media Tips to help you reach your audience: The Ladder of Engagement  Like a post  Share a post  Join in a conversation  Actively seek out your news  Respond to call outs/requests e.g. donations  Advocate: Use your knowledge and passion to inform your social media groups and networks about your events and the cause.

Click through to connect with us and remember to tag us in your posts

http://www.refugeeweek.org.au/events_slug/register-your-event/

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Refugee Week is the perfect time to get more extensive coverage of refugee issues and the contribution of refugees to Australian society. It is also an opportunity to get your school or organisation into local media. Here are some tips on how to get into the media to feature your event and/or discuss pertinent refugee issues.

What is your story? To get media coverage you have to find a way to grab a journalist‟s attention- you need to convince them that you have something newsworthy to offer. Large events bringing hundreds of people to the area will be of interest to a journalist, but small events can also catch their eye. Try pitching your event as part of an international celebration of Refugee Week, or enlisting the support of refugees in your community and identifying a refugee who is happy to be the „face‟ of your event. Importantly, do the work for them. Journalists are busy, so the more information you can provide them, the better.

Decide which media you wish to target Once you‟ve decided on your story angle you need to decide which media you‟d like to approach: local print media, television and radio are all options. The easiest way to publicise your event is to get it listed in the „what‟s on‟ section of your local paper- make sure to call well in advance so you know what deadlines to meet. For TV, you need something that is visually very strong and/or a charismatic speaker who is comfortable in front of the camera. Whichever media you select you will need to identify a spokesperson who can speak on the details about your event, organisation and broader refugee issues.

2016‟s Refugee Week Victoria Launch

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The main tool used to approach media is the media release: a one-page document providing the essential information that you wish to convey. Unfortunately, most releases end up going straight into the bin, so it‟s important to make sure that you get your media release right. Make sure you know the deadlines for the different media: if you send it too early it may be ignored, but if you send it late then you‟ll miss your chance. The norm is seven to ten days before the event, but some media may have longer lead times. Also make sure you‟re sending it to the right person so it doesn‟t get overlooked.

Media releases should be short and snappy, use simple language, and be limited to one page only. They should be broken up in the following way: Dateline The date should be included at the top of the release Headline: The headline must summarise the key points you wish to convey. It must also be interesting enough to catch the attention of your target audience. Aiming for a complete but short sentence is best. Try imagining the headline you‟d except to see in your local paper. Lead/Opening Paragraph: The lead is the most important part of the media release and needs to contain the basic information concerning: Who? What? When? Where? Why? Body: This section is the place to put more info about your event and Refugee Week. Why are you holding an event? Why do you think refugee issues are relevant to the community? How does it fit in with Refugee Week? Start with what‟s most important, using short sentences and short paragraphs. Include direct, conclusive quotes to illustrate key points, citing the quoted person‟s name and title.

End: The end paragraph summarises facts and background information Contacts: Always end your media release with the name and contact details of the person the journalist should contact for more information and interviews. It is worth detailing other information relevant to the journalist: the names and descriptions of anyone available for interview, for instance, speakers that would work on TV. Also provide information on photos you could provide or when, where, and what photos are able to be taken at the event.

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Follow up your media release with a phone call: A day or two after you‟ve sent your press release, follow it up with a phone call to whomever you addressed the media release to. Always make sure that they time to take your call first, and offer to call back at a more convenient time if necessary. Be relaxed but remember that when you are speaking to a journalist everything you say could be attributed to you and your organisation. Be ready to respond: Make sure to provide up to date phone numbers. If a journalist leaves a message, call back immediately.

At the Event: If a journalist comes to your event, make sure that somebody is assigned to look after them and help them speak to the right people. Be clear about what your event is going to involve and who it is aimed at. Think about what key messages you are trying to get across through your event. If a photographer is coming, check beforehand who is happy to have their photo taken and who is not. All participants should be briefed about the arrival of journalists and what that will mean. If refugees or people seeking asylum have agreed to talk to journalists about their experiences, ensure they are properly briefed and know exactly what to expect. Discuss the implications with them. They may want to remain anonymous rather than use their real name, as it is possible that identifying themselves may put them at risk.

Arranging interviews:

radio

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television

When a radio or TV journalist contacts you and wants to do an interview, find out as much as possible about what they want before you agree to do it. Ask if the interview will be live or prerecorded. Live interviews are broadcast as you do the, therefore you have to get them right the first time as they cannot be edited like pre-recorded interviews. Before the interview think about the message you want to convey and reheard what you want to say. Have about three or four key points that you aim to get across.

Useful Questions to Ask Before an Interview: It‟s useful to know what journalists expect and how your interview will be used so you can best present your event. Some useful questions to ask include: What programme is the interview for? Will the interview be used in a news programme, or are you being asked to take part in a discussion of phone-in? What questions do they want to ask you? Who else will be interview? How long is the interview?

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Sample Media Release

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With your social group or community centre:   

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Host a cultural event involving dancers, musicians and/or other performers, and include local refugee artists. Organise a book club and have everyone read a book by a refugee or about a refugee experience. Arrange a meal that brings refugees and nonrefugees together to share stories. Maybe a luncheon, breakfast, or even a community picnic. Organise a fundraiser for your favourite refugee support agency. Suggestions include a book fair or short film festival. Hold an awards day for outstanding achievements by refugees in your area. Organise an art or photography exhibition for your local refugee talent. Organise a fundraiser for the Refugee Council of Australia- you can do this by holding a film screening, a multicultural cake bake or an online fundraiser. For more info, click here.

Event Profiles Looking at successful Refugee Week events from previous years is a great way to develop ideas for your own event in 2018. Over the years, individuals and organisations across Australia have held a diverse range of events- both big and small-which have brought communities together to celebrate the culture of refugee communities, to raise awareness of important issues or to fundraise for great causes. There are a wide range of event profiles available on the Refugee Week Website.

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At school, university or youth club  Hold a special assembly or lecture and invite a speaker to come to your school/university. This could be someone from an agency working with refugees or someone who has been through the refugee experience.  Hold a celebration or cultural event that acknowledges, welcomes and celebrates refugee students.  Organise an art or poetry competition using this year‟s Refugee Week theme „With courage, let us combine‟.  Invite a local refugee artist or musician into classes  Organise a fundraising event that raises money for a local refugee organisation or charity. For example, a non-school uniform day, sponsored walk, swim or football event, cake stall, dance night or talent contest  Organise a fundraiser for the Refugee Council of Australia. Suggestions include holding a multicultural cake bake or do a gold coin online fundraiser. Click here.

In the workplace  Invite a speaker to come to your workplace during lunch time.  Explore how your workplace can assist refugees into the workforce. (If in Victoria, contact the Given the Chance team on 0424 751 920 or [email protected]; if in Sydney, contact Careers Pathways Pilot on 02 8713 9366 or [email protected]  Arrange a volunteer program in your workplace where employees take turns to volunteer with organisations assisting refugees.  Hold a food drive to donate to an agency that provides food packages for asylum seekers. Many asylum seekers live in the community and are denied the right to work, Medicare and social security.  Organise a fundraiser for your favourite refugee support agency.  Do a „Simple Act‟, for example, end off all work emails with a fact about refugees.

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For those planning an event, function or activity for Refugee Week, it is important to take into consideration the good practice measures outlined below. This brief guide has been compiled with input for a number of organisations who has participated in the organising committee for Refugee Week, including the Ecumenical Migration Centre, the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, the Adult Multicultural Education Services and the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues.

How will refugees be involved? Consider the ways in which you like to involve people of refugee background in your events. Make the purpose of their involvement clear, the way they are involved, the role of you or your organisation and the practical details such as dates, times, locations, transport to and from the contact person/s details. If you are involving speakers or groups with limited English, arrange for the interpreters to be present to convey the information.

Refugee Speakers If you‟re planning to have a refugee or someone who is seeking asylum speak at your event, consider the following points. For further information or advice on getting a speaker please call the Refugee Council of Australia in NSW or Victoria.

Full Preparation Review with speakers what they will be speaking about, how long, what you want them to cover and how many people will be in the audience. A practice run through will also be helpful beforehand, as well as briefing notes to guide them. This will help determine their confidence and ability to handle public speaking in English.

Reimbursement

Wherever possible, speakers should be paid for their participation. An appropriate amount would be between $50-$100. At the very least, speakers should be reimbursed for any travel costs. It‟s important to set out issues of reimbursement from the beginning.

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Providing Support If the person is required to “tell their story”, consider the potential for re-traumatisation. Discuss with them how happy they are to do this and the possible repercussion for them and their extended family (particularly those overseas), the possibility of press coverage, whether this person has been asked to do similar events previously and how often, and whether there is potential to negatively impact their visa process. Be sensitive to the fact that, as a worker or advocate for refugees, some refugees may be reluctant to say directly that they don‟t want to participate. If a speaker becomes upset during their presentation, be prepared to intervene and give them the option to continue or not.

Follow up

Following any event where refugees have spoken, make sure that the speaker receives some feedback, spend some time with them and give them the opportunity to discuss any issues that may have arisen for them. If they are distressed, make sure that they are aware of local support services and/or the state-based torture and trauma service. This follow-up is important to ensure that they have ongoing support if they have re-traumatised by their involvement in the event. Be sure to give them a call after the event and thank them for their participation.

Media Involvement If you plan to have press coverage, make sure you obtain consent from refugee speakers to use photos, names or other details. Explore and discuss the possibility of getting anonymity agreements with the press before obtaining consent. Thoroughly discuss any potential risks related to press exposure beforehand. Speakers should be made aware of the editing process and the fact that newspapers usually exercise editorial control on what goes to press. Some local press, however, are happy to show a copy before going to press. Wherever possible, ensure that this option is explored. If your event involves advocacy for refugees, be sure of any facts presented by speakers. Media enjoys sensational news and the editorial control process may result in a negative media report if any speakers present incorrect material. If your speaker/s are to be interviewed by media, ensure there are ground rules beforehand and stipulate to the journalist the kinds of questions they will not answer. It is always best to have a support person there to intervene if necessary. Remember not all members of the public and media are sympathetic to refugee issues.

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Who are refugees? Until 1951 there was no commonly accepted term for people fleeing persecution. People who fled their country were known as stateless people, migrants or refugees. Different countries treated these people in different ways. Following the mass migrations caused by the Second World War (particularly in Europe), it was decided that there needed to be a common understanding of which people needed protection and how they should be protected. The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol (commonly known as the Refugee Convention), to which Australia is a signatory, defines a refugee as:

The important parts of this definition are: Any person who owing to a wellfounded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country.

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The person has to be outside of their country of origin. The reason for their flight has to be a fear or persecution. The fear of persecution has to be well founded (i.e. they must have experienced it or be likely to experience if they return) The persecution has to result from one or more of the five grounds listed in the definition They have to be unwilling or unable to seek the protection of their country.

20 The Refugee Convention definition is used by the Australian Government to determine whether our country has protection obligations towards people seeking asylum. If someone who is seeking asylum is found to be a refugee, Australia is obliged under International law to offer protection and to ensure that the person is not sent back unwillingly to their country of origin. UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. Its purpose is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of refugees and seek lasting solutions to their plight.

What have refugees experienced? Refugees have a variety of experiences and every individual‟s „refugee journey‟ is distinct. Most refugees have been confronted by deeply distressed and harrowing experiences and many have endured a range of physical, psychological and emotional traumas. Common experiences of persecution include torture, beatings, rape, disappearance or killing of loved ones, imprisonment without trial, severe harassment by authorities, land confiscation, conflict-related injuries and months, years or even decades spent living in refugee camps or urban slums.

Refugees are rarely afforded the opportunity to make plans for their departure: to pack their belongings, to say farewell to their friends and families. In some cases, refugees are forced to flee with no notice, taking with them only the clothes on their backs. Others, must keep their plans secrets in case they are discovered. Refugees who arrive in Australia often have scant understanding about our country and the nature of society here. They have had no chance to prepare themselves both physically and psychologically for their new life in Australia

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Refugees in Australia Australia has an extensive history of successfully resettling refugees and humanitarian entrants. Since Federation, Australia has welcome more than 800,000 refugees and those in need of humanitarian protection, offering a permanent home. Many former refugees are prominent in Australian business, government, education, arts, sport and community life.

Vietnamese refugees arriving in Darwin Harbour Photos: Northern Territory Archives Service

Where do Australia‟s refugees come from? In the past, Australia has assisted refugees from many parts of the world. Following the Second World War, most came from countries such as Germany, Poland and Ukraine. In the 1950s, we saw people arriving from Hungary and in the 1960s many came from Czechoslovakia. In the 1970‟s, people started coming from Indochina (Vietnam) and Latin America (Chile and El Salvador), and these groups continued to arrive well into the 1980‟s. The 1990‟s were dominated by the Balkan War, with a large number of people arriving from the Middle East and South Asia during this decade. Many of these people were from ethnic and religious minority groups or opponents of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan or Saddam Hussein‟s regime in Iraq. In the 2000s, the majority of entrants coming un under the Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program came from Africa, in particular Sudan and towards the end of the decade from Burma and Bhutan. In the recent years, resettled refugees have come predominantly from Iraq, Burma and Bhutan, Afghanistan, Syria and Congo.

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What is the difference between a person seeking asylum, a refugee and a migrant? The terms „refugee‟, „asylum seeker‟ and „migrant‟ are often used interchangeably particularly in the media. However, there are important distinctions in their definitions.

Refugees are forced to flee from their country and cannot return unless their situation that forced them to leave improves. Some are forced to flee without any warning; many have experienced torture and trauma. The motivating factor for refugees is safety and protection from persecution and human rights abuse, not economic advantage.

A person seeking asylum is a person who is seeking protection as a refugee and is still waiting to have his/her claim assessed. Every refugee has at some point being an asylum seeker.

A migrant is someone who chooses to leave their country to seek a better life. They choose where they migrate to and they are able to return whenever they like.

Who are illegal immigrants? Who are illegal immigrants? The term „illegal immigrants‟ refers to unlawful non-citizens who are residing in a country with legal permission. In Australia, most illegal immigrants have entered the country legally but have then overstayed their visa. The majority of these are from Western countries. People who seek asylum are not illegal immigrants. Nor are they breaking any laws. Under Australian law, a person is entitled to apply for asylum in our country if they are escaping persecution. This right is protected by international law as set out in Article 14 of the universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”

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Rights of refugees Refugees have definitive rights that are set out in the Refugee Convention, which all signatory countries must comply with. The most essential component is the principle of nonrefoulement, which prohibits the forcible return of a refugee to a situation where their life or freedom may be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. The Refugee Convention also stipulates that refugees should not be penalised for entering a country without prior authorisation, if they are fleeing from danger and present themselves to authorities on arrival. Accordingly, refugees have a lawful right to enter a country for the purposes of seeking asylum, regardless of how they arrive or whether they hold a valid travel or identity documents. The Convention additionally encompasses guidance concerning the recognition of civil rights and access to employment, education and the legal system. After meeting residence requirements, refugees are entitled to apply for nationality of their country of residence (or another). In Australia, if you hold a permanent protection visa, you can apply for Australian citizenship after four years of residence, one of which must be on a permanent visa. Under the current government, those who arrive by boat are currently only eligible for temporary protection visas, with no permanent visas to be granted in the first five years of the granting of their first TPV. At this time, the decision of whether to grant permanent protection is at the discretion of the Minister of Immigration and Border Protection.

How do refugees come to Australia? Australia‟s Humanitarian Program is divided into an onshore and offshore component. The offshore component is made up of a majority of people who are considered under the refugee category and have been referred for resettlement by the UNHCR after being identified as a refugee. The Special Humanitarian Program (SHP) is for applicants who are subject to substantial discrimination amounting to gross violations of their human rights and who are living outside their home country. Applications for the SHP visa rely on support by a proposer who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or community organisation based in Australia. SHP entrants are required to meet health and character tests. They receive less support than Refugee Visa entrants.

35 Vietnamese refugees, 15 May 1984 Source: PH2 Phil Eggman

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The onshore component is made up of refugees who seek refugee status after arriving in Australia. Most enter as visitors or students, sometimes arriving without authorisation. Asylum seekers who arrived by boat after 13 August 2012, had waited well over three years to lodge a temporary protection claim. Warning letters were issued at the end of 2016 to who were yet to apply for protection. On 21 May 2017, the Minister for Immigration announced people had to meet the nonnegotiable deadline of 1 October 2017 apply for protection visas. People who failed to do so won‟t be able to apply for any temporary or permanent protection in Australia. Protesting against children in immigration detention Source: John Englart (Takver) Flickr

According to the UNHCR statistics, Australia received 29,590 claims for asylum in 2016. Australia recognised 6,567 asylum seekers in 2016, only protecting 0.28% of the world‟s asylum seekers. Under the Refugee and Humanitarian programme, Australia granted 21,968 visas in 2016-17. This has increased by 4,568 compared to the previous year. According to the DIBP, 12,059 visas were granted as part of the offshore program, in contrast to 1,711 granted as part of the onshore program.

Refugee Stories Refugee Week is about celebrating and listening to the stories and experiences of refugees. Our Refugee Week Ambassadors will be sharing the positive contributions made by refugees, view the Ambassador profiles here. More stories of successful Australia refugees can be found on our website here.

Refugee Statistics The Refugee Council of Australia collates the most up to date statistical information on the needs of refugees and people seeking asylum, both internationally and domestically. A snapshot of the data is available here. This year we also released our first ever State of the Nation: Refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia report. A critical review of Australia‟s refugee and asylum policies can be found here.

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Statistic Snapshot

Global According to the UNHCR Global Trends Report 2016:  There are now 22.5 million refugees worldwide.  Top countries of origin include: Syria at 5.5 million, Afghanistan at 2.5 million, and South Sudan at 1.4 million.  Collectively, people fleeing these three countries account for more than half of the world‟s refugees under UNHCR‟s mandate  In its planning for 2018, UNHCR has identified close to 1.2 million persons in need of resettlement. These refugees are divided (by region of asylum) between Africa (510,676), Europe (302, 000), Middle East and North Africa (279,855), Asia (100,988) and the Americas (1, 830).  Every minute, 20 people were forced to flee their homes in 2016. That comes to 28, 300 people forcibly displaced every day.  At the end of 2016, there were 189,300 resettlement places offered- representing just 1.1% of the 7.12 million refugees under the UNHCR mandate. In other words, at the current rate, it will take almost 100 years for all refugees under UNHCR‟s mandate to be resettled. This paltry of resettlement number highlights the myth of any so called resettlement “queue”.

Click here to read the full report

Australia According to the annual report of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP):  In 2016-17 the Australian Government granted 13,760 refugees and humanitarian visas (p. 75). These Included; o 1,711 visas for people already in Australia (the „onshore‟ component) o 12, 059 visas for people outside of Australia (the „offshore‟ component) Including:  8, 208 visas to people displaced by conflicts in Syria and Iraq, the last of the 12,000 places granted for these people  6,642 refugee visas  5,407 visas under the Special Humanitarian program  1,607 Women at Risk visas o In 2016-17, 222,097 people applied for Australian citizenship. Of these, only 45% of applications have been decided within service standards, failing to meet the 80% target According to the DIBP:  A total of 15, 181 IMA applications were lodged between 2016-17. This was prompted by the October 2017 deadline for IMA‟s to apply for temporary protection.  As at March 2018, there where 1,389 people in detention facilities (IDC, IRH, ITA, and APOD). Of these 80 were women,