We believe that together we CAN make a difference, starting with small acts of kindness and hospitality and becoming a collective voice demanding more compassionate asylum seeker policies.
Campaign to #BringThemHere following PNG court decision
On the 26th of April, the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea, declared the Australian-managed detention centre on Manus Island illegal and ordered it must be closed. It found this on the grounds that the centre contravened human rights protections enshrined in the PNG constitution. Fr Frank Brennan SJ published this piece on the case.
Earlier this month, Vincent Long Van Nguyen was appointed the new Bishop of Parramatta – Australia’s most diverse diocese. Bishop Long is a former refugee himself, arriving by boat from Vietnam in the early 1980s. He has been quick to express his concern over current Australian treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum and is a supporter and member of CAPSA. Read more here.
Standing in Solidarity: – CAPSA is working with schools and parishes across the country to coordinate a National Day of Prayer & Action in Catholic schools to call for a more just and humane welcome of people seeking asylum. Make a pledge to take action in September here.
Get involved in the 2016 Federal Election – From forums to lobbying, CAPSA has a plan to put pressure on leading politicians to show some compassion toward refugees and people seeking asylum. Register your interest in getting involved and keep up-to-date.
National Advocacy Network – Want to connect to advocacy work in your local community? CAPSA is starting a new initiative to support advocacy in the community. We will discuss ideas, challenges and plan national-level campaigns and action. Email info@capsa.org.au if you’d like to be involved.