Refugee Week is a time to not only reflect on the contributions that refugees have and continue to make to Australia, but also the compassion and humanity that we have demonstrated and must continue to extend to those in need. These are the values that define us and are consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which recognises the rights of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.
Australia is a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 protocol. As a responsible and compassionate member of the international community, we have obligations under this convention.
Article 1 of the convention defines a refugee as someone who:
owing to well-founded 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 nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.
This year, Australia marks the welcoming of 1 million refugees since the end of World War 2. These 1 million stories tell us about the strength and resilience of the human character, persevering and succeeding in the face of adversity. Refugees and other migrants have made great contributions to Australia, including but not limited to the fields of medicine, the arts, science, farming, business and education. They have enriched the social fabric of the nation, making Australia a stronger and richer society.
Refugee Week and World Refugee Day help us to reflect on the journeys that millions have taken around the world, consider how we would respond if our families were in such danger and reaffirm our commitment to human rights where seeking safety is a right, not a privilege.
We must continue to extend the hand of humanity and reject all forms of racism and discrimination.
