On 11th anniversary of resumption of offshore processing, CAPSA continues calls for Federal Government to end inhumane offshore detention and extend permanent protection
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) acknowledges, with deep sadness, the 11th anniversary of the Federal Government’s resumption of offshore processing for people seeking asylum who arrive in Australia by boat. CAPSA continues to call on the Federal Government to permanently end offshore detention, extend permanent protection pathways, and provide resolution for those who continue to await sanctuary.
In June 2023, the last detainee was transferred from Nauru and the offshore processing centre was closed. In Papua New Guinea, 80 people remained awaiting resolution of decade-long protection applications or third country resettlement options. The end of the irreparably damaging offshore detention policy appeared to be possible.
Yet the closure of the processing centre on Nauru lasted only four months. The centre reopened in September 2023 with a ‘new’ cohort of people seeking asylum transferred there. Further numbers have arrived at the centre each month since – approximately 100 people are currently detained on the island.
CAPSA Convener and Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards says, “Australia’s offshore detention system has inflicted horrendous cruelty upon, and caused immense harm to, adults and children who have sought our protection. This is in clear violation of our responsibilities, and in contrast to our reputation as a just society. All people seeking asylum deserve a safe and secure future, not continued periods of uncertainty, fear and a life in limbo.”
Eleven years after then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that people seeking asylum who arrived by boat would never be resettled in Australia, offshore detention remains an active policy. Currently, 47 refugees and people seeking asylum remain in limbo in Papua New Guinea with their partners and young children – with limited rights, significantly deteriorated physical and mental health, and facing increasing threats to their security. While resettlement options are available to some of these people, not all, the process has been protracted over many years, and all are reliant on charity to cover their basic needs, accommodation and access to health care.
“Everyone who seeks safety in Australia deserves a fair and timely assessment of their claims, and our compassion. Australia can and should provide pathways to permanency for all who are owed international protection, including access to work and study rights, social security and medical assistance; and the right to live with dignity whilst awaiting determination,” says Ms Edwards.
CAPSA, convened by Jesuit Social Services, supports individuals, schools, parishes and Catholic organisations in their advocacy for fair and humane treatment for people seeking asylum in Australia. We have long advocated to permanently abolish offshore processing and support those seeking asylum in the community.
CAPSA welcomed recent immigration reforms – including the abolition of temporary protection and safe haven enterprise visas, establishment of pathways to permanent protection in Australia for long-term temporary visa holders, and changes to protection review processes. However, more is needed to ensure we meet our protection obligations in
a fair and humane way – and the voices of those with lived experience should be at the forefront of consultations and policy change.
“We call on the Federal Government to urgently transfer from PNG those who are seriously ill for urgent care in Australia while awaiting resettlement, to permanently end offshore detention, and extend permanent protection so that everyone who seeks safety in Australia can claim their rights, thrive and live as valuable members of the Australian community.”
Media enquiries: Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au