We can do better
We visited people across the Catholic community and heard their message to people seeking asylum, loud and clear – “You are Welcome”.
Australia’s treatment of people seeking asylum ought to reflect our collective values of solidarity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and our desire to do good – not harm.
When we commit to welcoming people who are fleeing persecution, we do good and honour our values. When imprison people seeking safety and deprive them of what is necessary for life, we do harm.
We can do better.
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) calls the government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people who have sought asylum in Australia, through just processes and attention to basic needs.
What We can do
I can get informed
Confused about the facts? Find out where you can access reliable information including updates about what Catholics are doing in support people seeking asylum …
I can help
Looking for a way to help people seeking asylum in your local community? See how you can share your skills …
I can stand up for change
Want your voice to be heard? Looking for ways to speak out against the harsh treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia? Find out ways to effectively advocate …
What I am doing
Sayed is Afghani, married with 6 children. He made the journey to Australia on his own. His wife and 6 children are refugees in Pakistan. I also have 6 kids so his experience seemed both familiar and incomprehensible to me.
Carole
Sunshine, Victoria
What I am doing
I have come to see that my faith is concerned with seeking a personal relationship with Jesus and it is in sharing the struggles and hopes of my asylum seeker friends that I encounter Jesus and deepen my relationship with him
Peter Arndt
Brisbane, Queensland
What I am doing
Hearing people’s stories of persecution and injustice has helped me to see beyond media headlines to the stories of real people
Rita
Footscray, Victoria photo credit: Fiona Basile
Latest News & Events
Action for Afghanistan
It is clear that the Afghan people, especially ethnic and religious minorities as well as women and children are in great danger in their own country. In addition, there are more than 5,100 Afghans living in Australia, many with families in Afghanistan, and many without any certainty about their future in Australia. While the Federal Government has undertaken to allocate at least 3,000 places for Afghans within the current humanitarian intake, the need is dire and immediate, and a special additional intake is required.
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CAPSA urges Federal Government to do more to protect Afghan refugees
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA), representing leaders across the Catholic Church, health, education, refugee and social services, has called on the Morrison Federal Government to guarantee permanent visas for Afghans already in the country under temporary protection or currently being processed, and increase its intake of humanitarian refugees from Afghanistan.
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CAPSA letter to Minister Andrews Re: Protection for Afghan people seeking asylum and refugees on temporary visas in Australia
Read the full letter sent to The Hon Karen Andrews MP regarding CAPSA's calls for protection for Afghan people seeking asylum and refugees on temporary visas in Australia.