In the media
In detention
The Human Rights Commission has released a report on hotel detention, finding serious human rights impacts on detainees, and making 24 recommendations to the Australian government. Australian protestors gathered outside hotel detention demanding the release of evacuees from Nauru and highlighting their ongoing trauma.
In Nauru and PNG
Multiple sources reported that the last refugee was evacuated from Nauru on 24 June. In the wake of this news, there have been many individuals sharing their experiences on Nauru. Along with this news, many advocates and media are urging the Australian government to take responsibility for those abandoned in Papua New Guinea.
In regional Australia
One man who fled Myanmar and settled in Western Australia reflects on the community he has found in Australia and his hopes for the end of conflict in his home country.
International
UNHCR released its Global Trends report which announced that the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached 108.4 million by the end of 2022, and has reached 110 million now. The significant increase is attributed to the number of people fleeing Ukraine, and the ongoing displacement from Afghanistan. Refugees who went into hiding after the Taliban takeover have found safety in Australia with the help of a stranger. Refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan are being turned back at the border, and the international community has pledged 1.5 billion dollars in aid. How has the war in Sudan affected Sudanese people in Australia, and their families back home? Listen to the Guardian’s podcast. A fishing boat carrying asylum seekers and migrants off the coast of Greece has sunk. There have been 78 recorded deaths and hundreds still missing.
In policy
The Refugee Council of Australia urged the government to act on its pledge to increase the quota of the Refugee and Humanitarian program from 13,750 to 27,000 places after new figures on global displacement. 50 years on from Whitlam’s review of Australia’s multicultural policy, the Albanese government announced a review in February. The Conversation focused on what the review is seeking to achieve.
In research
New research published on mental deterioration of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia with uncertain legal status, focused particularly on the recent changes to refugees holding TPV and SHEV visas announced in March 2023.
New releases
Freedom is Beautiful is a new documentary following the journey of two Kurdish refugees, Farhad Bandesh and Mostafa (Moz) Azimitabar, who were finally freed from detention after being imprisoned for almost eight years under Australia’s offshore processing regime.