Human rights backgrounders, Academic papers, Activist Campaigns, Actions, Academic papers: Dozens of Documents and Downloads

Project SafeCom Infosheets

During the initial "Howard years" in which we operated, from 2001 to 2005, we used our growing collection of "Infosheets" to inform our supporters and the wider public, also through our community event stalls, of human rights convention standards, and of what Australia did with those standards. Below are those Information Sheets, or The Infosheets, for your perusal or download.

Infosheet 1: Refugees and detention: Countries compared - Comparing Sweden, Britain, United States. From 'Asylum Seekers in Sweden' by Grant Mitchell [2001], and 'Information from Lawyers Committee for Human Rights' [1999]. (PDF File, 75 Kb)
Infosheet 2 - Our achievements in 2002, Our plans for 2003 - A 14 January 2003 summary of Project SafeCom's activities and plans as laid out at the beginning of 2003. (PDF File, 20 Kb)
Infosheet 3: Edmund Rice Centre, Mandatory Detention 1 - From The Edmund Rice Centre, Sydney. Refugees are not queue jumpers, Asylum seekers are not illegal, Australia does not take many refugees, We're not being "swamped" by hordes of boat people, They are genuine refugees, Refugees are not wealthy, Detention Centres are not three star hotels. (PDF File 25 Kb)
Infosheet 4: Edmund Rice Centre, Mandatory Detention 2 - From The Edmund Rice Centre, Sydney. Refugees are not terrorists; There is an alternative to Mandatory Detention; Alternatives to Detention; Closed DetentionOpen Detention and Community Release. (PDF File 26 Kb)
Infosheet 5: Why the Baxter, Port Hedland Fires? - December 2002: an exploration of the causes and motives for the fires and disturbances in detention centres as they took place around Christmas/New Year 2002. By Jane Keogh, Canberra Refugee Action Committee. (PDF File 44Kb)
Infosheet 6: Welcome to Australia! - Our 2003 Refugee Day Quiz Competition - Project SafeCom's spikey 2003 Refugee Day Quiz Competition was designed wiith poignant questions designed to make the Australian tourist and politicians question what's happening in Australia. (PDF File 26Kb)
Infosheet 7: Iraq's refugees seek shelter from the storm - Iraqis flee Saddam hussein, but Australia under John Howard locks them up. Some comments about Iraqi refugees in detention centres in the context of the invasion of Iraq by the "Coalition of the Willing". (PDF File 26Kb)
Infosheet 8: Our Position Statement: Why No War - Why Project SafeCom opposes the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the 'Coalition of the Willing'. (PDF File 20Kb)
Infosheet 9: Refugees Deserve a Permanent Future - 4000 TPV (temporary protection visa) Holders are now living in Australia - information compiled by Rural Australians for Refugees. (PDF File 25Kb)
Infosheet 9: Refugees Deserve a Permanent Future - 4000 TPV (temporary protection visa) Holders are now living in Australia - information compiled by Rural Australians for Refugees. (PDF File 25Kb)
Infosheet 10: Death by Deportation? - Asylum seekers in Australia's refugee prisons are on a countdown to deportation. The Howard Government has announced that every Iranian currently held in detention will be deported back to Iran by the end of May 2003. By the Refugee Action Committee Canberra. (PDF File 55Kb)
Infosheet 11: Debunking the Myths about Asylum Seekers - the original 'Just Comment' leaflet of the Edmund Rice Centre, Sydney which became one of the foundation statements of the refugee movement around Australia. (PDF File 203Kb)
Infosheet 12: October 2003 - Project SafeCom's mandate and direction: a summary of Project SafeCom's direction, action and constitutional mandate. - (PDF File 20Kb)
Infosheet 14: October 2003 - Debunking More Myths About Asylum Seekers. The Edmund Rice Centre has just released the new set of DEBUNKED MYTHS on their website. This follows on from the first eight Myths, released last year (see Infosheet 11). (PDF File 70Kb)
Project SafeCom Infosheet 18: Terror Laws Information Sheet - In our view the TAMPA drama, the legislation and the ensuing horrors were not really about refugees, but about Australian conservative politicians trying to establish a dictatorship by elected government through the sneaky and incremental exclusion of scrutiny and review by Australian courts and through a subtle undermining of the role and powers of the judiciary. (PDF File 25 Kb)

Project SafeCom Annual Reports

Because Project SafeCom is a Corporation in the legal sense of the word, our Annual General Meetings see the publication, every year, of an Annual Report. Here they are - they are public documents. Looking at them will give you a good sense of how we operate, and what we've done over the years - and for how little money we did at that work!

Project SafeCom Annual Report 2007 - Expectations of the number displaced people inside Australia being on the rise, and World Systems theory arguing that a serious crisis may emerge during a breakdown of capitalism and the ensuing chaos... (PDF File 708 Kb)
Project SafeCom Annual Report 2006 - A year where Coalition dissenters deliver democracy to Australia from within a rigid and manipulated conservative party-political system, and where the planet itself pushes to the foreground in the political landscape: a year for the planet and the people. (PDF File 635 Kb)
Project SafeCom Annual Report 2005 - The year of the Kooyong Breakout, where the tabling of two Bills by liberal backbenchers Petro Georgiou and Judi Moylan MP upsets someone's apple cart, and where Cornelia Rau and Vivian Alvarez-Solon rock the boat of Australia's immigration department. (PDF File 388 Kb)
Project SafeCom Annual Report 2004 - From the storming of Tampa by SAS troops to the kids overboard photos we were not allowed to see: three years of development for a punchy and growing NGO. (PDF File 494 Kb)

Events Promotion & Info Flyers

These are the flyers or documents we created and sent out as part of our events. And because we uploaded them also to the pages related to these events on our website, they're appearing in this collection.

The Perth (Curtin University) launch of Human Rights Overboard - Invitation flyer for the launch on Tuesday, 14 October 2008, with co-author Prof Linda Briskman, Dr Carmen Lawrence and Hon Fred Chaney. "Scribe and the Centre for Human Rights Education at Curtin University of Technology are proud to celebrate the publication of Human Rights Overboard: Seeking Asylum in Australia." (PDF File, 107Kb)
The Scattered People Choir: CD Track Six: Rain - Audio Track with Brian Procopis and Simon Monsour (composers and musicians), vocalist Ross Smith, Gary Nunn and others (musicians). This is just one of the 12 tracks of the terrific music CD (described here) of the Scattered People's Refugee Choir in Brisbane. (Windows Media Audio File 4'36" - "wma")
We Will Be Remembered for This - The poster for our 2007 World Refugee Day Screening for the 'Why The Boats Must Come' event at the Fremantle NAVY Club, with Scott Ludlam for the Greens, Melissa Parke and Carmen Lawrence for Labor. Download the poster for the movie and for the event! (PDF File 372 Kb)
The Project SafeCom Climate Justice Flyer - From the need to stop burning coal to the silencing of Climate scientists, this is Project SafeCom's 'new' publication - the campaign statement to bring Australia From Climate Change to Climate Justice. If you're connected to Project SafeCom because of your concern about Australia's treatment of asylum seekers, and you're wondering what the connection is, please read it, and you'll be convinced. (PDF File 112Kb)
26 April 2007: 900 Refugee Advocates write to Kevin Rudd - SBS Radio News report including audio grab of an interview with Project SafeCom's Jack Smit. (MP3 audio file 3:00 min)
A Pork Barrelling Forum, The Fremantle Herald and Labor's Immigration policy - While the Fremantle Herald outdid itself in sponsoring the Pork Barrelling Forum in the lead-up to the 2007 Federal Election, on the tail-end of the forum more interesting things happened: see the file for Project SafeCom's Letter to the Editor, and a letter by the ALP Candidate, Melissa Parke. (PDF File 698 Kb)
What you told Kevin Rudd and Tony Burke - A selection of public comments to ALP Opposition leader Kevin Rudd and Immigration spokesman Tony Burke in the Project SafeCom online letter/petition campaign during April 2007. (PDF File 92 kB)
Forum and Book launch: Antony's Israel Question - Flyer for a Forum at Kulcha in Fremantle with journalist, author and blogger Antony Loewenstein. "I can think of few books about Israel and Palestine, written by an Australian, as important as Antony Loewenstein's brave j'accuse. In challenging the propagandists to give up their addiction, he is a truth-teller bar none." (DL Format - prints three, PDF FILE 108 Kb)
Forum and Book launch: Antony's Israel Question - Poster for a Forum at Kulcha in Fremantle with journalist, author and blogger Antony Loewenstein. "I can think of few books about Israel and Palestine, written by an Australian, as important as Antony Loewenstein's brave j'accuse. In challenging the propagandists to give up their addiction, he is a truth-teller bar none." (A4 Poster size, PDF FILE 161 Kb)
Event Flyer: Free West Papua - Let Them Stay! - Our ravishing Forum Poster for the January 2006 Forum about West Papuan asylum seekers and their reasons for the trip from Merauke to Weipa in Queensland. With Senator Kerry Nettle, Christmas Island advocate Kaye Bernard, West Papua Association supporter Ned Byrne and Project SafeCom's Jack Smit. (PDF File 798 Kb)
The Morning Star & Papua Maps: Free West Papua Flag Action Kit - We used these Word documents, PDF files, JPEG high resolution images to print and make large as well as small West Papuan flags, and people just LOVED it! (WinZip File 1.5 Mb)
Project SafeCom's Bunbury World Refugee Day 2003 - At Edith Cowan University's Bunbury Campus, in collaboration with the Bunbury Refugee Action Group: two movies and guest speakers, including Liam Barry. (WORD Document, 82 Kb)
Project SafeCom's Refugee Day 2003 Aussie Tourist Quiz - A quiz, to be handed out at Airports and Backpackers' places around Australia, with prizes for three winners - non-Australian tourists and travellers. (WORD document 63 Kb)
Sarah MacDonald's BBC's Australia's Pacific Solution - Project SafeCom's first major screen event, featuring two sandwiched screenings at the Fremantle Film and TV Institute, with keynotes by Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett and the ALP Member of Parliament Dr Carmen Lawrence, on 24 January 2003. (PDF File 171 Kb)
The Events Flyer for World Refugee Day 2004 - For World Refugee Day 2004 we have combined forces with Amnesty International and Oxfam Community Aid Abroad for a great family day of local action in Fremantle. (PDF file, 157Kb)
North Adelaide Human Rights/Refugee issues Public Forum - Tuesday January 27 2004, Cynthia Poulton Hall, North Adelaide. With MC Annie Hastwell (Radio Adelaide, Winner 2002 SACBA Bilby Award), Gordon Barrett QC, John Harley (Public Advocate of SA) and Jack H Smit (Project SafeCom). A selection of Project SafeCom's documentaries will be screened. (PDF File 63Kb)
Robyn Hughan's A Nun's New Habit - The documentary "A Nun's New Habit" follows the adventures of Sister Carmel Wauchope, an adorable character from the Sisters of The Good Samaritan. Sister Carmel kicked off her habit some 20 years ago, but is now at the forefront of the fight to help refugees incarcerated in detention centres. (PDF File 106 Kb)

Papers, Reports, Articles

Committee Hansard: Perth hearings Immigration detention Inquiry - the Hansard of the Perth hearings of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration's Inquiry into Immigration Detention in Australia. The transcript includes testimony from Scales Legal Community Centre, the Social Justice Centre of the Uniting Church, Linda Briskman from the Human Rights Centre at Curtin University, and Project SafeCom. (PDF File 342 Kb)
Minister for Immigration v Al Masri [2003] FCAFC 70, delivered 15 April 2003 - a summary of the famous Al Masri Full Federal Court Case, written by David Bitel for the Refugee Council of Australia. Al Masri, having arrived in Australia unlawfully, was detained at Woomera and his protection visa application was refused by the RRT on 5 December 2001... (PDF File 24 Kb)
Working with Wasim: A convergence of community - a paper about an asylum seeker who entered Australia in a dinghy, as published in The Australian Community Psychologist, Vol 20 No 1, June 2008. By Anne Pedersen, Mary Anne Kenny, Linda Briskman, Sue Hoffman (PDF File 439 Kb)
Commonwealth Ombudsman - DIAC: Administration of detention debt waiver and write-off - Overall, the Ombudsman's investigation found that DIAC is administering debt waiver and write-off according to the legislative and policy requirements. However, the investigation also found scope for improvement. In particular, DIAC can improve the information it provides to people, timeliness and prioritisation in processing cases, and the consistency and reasonableness of decisions on debt waiver and write-off. (PDF File 129 Kb)
Concluding Observations of the Committee Against Torture 2008 - Consideration of Reports Submitted by State Parties under Article 19 of the Convention Against Torture (Australia) ... lack of judicial review ... secrecy surrounding preventative detention ... Convention is only partially incorporated into Federal Law ... State should consider abolishing its policy of Mandatory Detention ... should end the use of excised offshore locations ... providing a medical practitioner is not a human right ... (PDF File 520Kb)
Senator Chris Evans' 417 decisions of 4th May 2008 - Updated Report by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre on the new Immigration Minister's 417 decisions as of the 4th of May 2008. With 97.6% rejection, the highest rejection rate the ASRC has had from any Minister since the ASRC started. (PDF File 24Kb)
A price too high: the cost of Australia's approach to asylum seekers - The Australian Government's policy of offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru, Manus Island and Christmas Island. Results of a research project funded by A Just Australia, Oxfam Australia and Oxfam Novib. (PDF file 289kb)
Constructions of racism in the Australian parliamentary debates on asylum seekers - Research by Danielle Every (University of South Australia) and Martha Augoustinos (University of Adelaide): "The proliferation of the subtle and slippery nature of the new racism has made it increasingly difficult to define racism and to develop an effective anti-racist rhetoric with which to challenge it..." (PDF File 208 Kb)
Afghani Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Republic of Indonesia - Hassan Ghulam traveled independently to Indonesia in February and again in March 2004 in response to direct invitations from Afghan asylum seekers stranded for more than two years after smugglers' boats were forcibly returned... (PDF File 154 Kb)
Hunger strikes are a way of fasting that involves some form of protest - They are usually undertaken by prisoners or other persons in a custodial setting. A guide to understanding hunger strikes and hunger strikers. Sourced from the website of the World Medical Association, Ferney-Voltaire, France. (PDF file 157kB)
Refugee Reception and Transitional Processing System - Proposed Alternative approaches to asylum seekers, the full proposal of the Justice for Asylum Seekers (JAS) Alliance Detention Reform Working Group. June 2002. (PDF File, 332kB)
Revised Summary Conclusions on Article 31 of the UN Refugee Convention - To 'come directly' from such country via another country or countries in which s/he is at risk or in which generally no protection is available, is also accepted as 'good cause' for illegal entry. (PDF file 105Kb)
We've boundless plains to share: First Report of The People's Inquiry into Detention - The People's Inquiry was established as open, independent, transparent and inclusive by the Heads of Schools of Social Work around the country, in order to bear witness to events in Australian immigration detention facilities, whose operations were largely shrouded in official secrecy. (PDF file 2.29Mb)
Australians Welcome Refugees, The Untold Story - This report by the United Nations Association Of Australia, published on the occasion of its presentation to the United Nations in Geneva on 29 March 2004, aims to give just a snapshot of the efforts many Australians are making to help asylum seekers confined within prison-like detention centres in isolated areas of Australia or in the Pacific. (WORD document, 81Kb)
Australians Welcome Refugees, The Untold Story - This report by the United Nations Association Of Australia, published on the occasion of its presentation to the United Nations in Geneva on 29 March 2004, aims to give just a snapshot of the efforts many Australians are making to help asylum seekers confined within prison-like detention centres in isolated areas of Australia or in the Pacific. (PDF File, 107Kb)
Report of the Inquiry into Complaints by Mr Huong Hai Nguyen and Mr Austin Okoye - Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (John von Doussa QC), Inquiry into Complaints against the Commonwealth of Australia and GSL (Australia) Pty Ltd, December 2007, re transportation of detainees from Maribyrnong IDC to Baxter IDF. (PDF File 376 Kb)
Findings and Recommendations from Report of Investigation on behalf of DIMIA - Keith Hamburger AM, Findings and Recommendations from Report of Investigation on behalf of DIMIA concerning allegations of inappropriate treatment of five detainees during transfer from Maribyrnong IDC to Baxter IDF (2004) (PDF File 187 Kb)
Report of an Announced Inspection of Adult Prisoner Transport Services - Richard Harding, Inspector of Custodial Services, Report of an Announced Inspection of Adult Prisoner Transport Services. Date Inspected: February 2001; Date Published: November 2001. (PDF File 362 Kb)
Seeking Asylum in Australia: 1995-2005, Experiences and Policies - Compiled by Susan Aykut and Jessie Taylor and presented at the Monash Conference with the same title (web transcripts here). The Institute for Public History, The Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilization and Monash University [ISBN 0-9757387-3-9] (PDF File 1.62 Mb)
Go Away: Punished Not Protected. Temporary Protection Visa Holders' Powerlessness, Federal Politicians' Indifference - Researched and written by The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies with support from "Show Mercy - Rights for Asylum Seekers"; Published January 2003. (PDF File, 210 Kb)
RANZCP Conference: The Politics of Exclusion and Denial - The Politics of Exclusion and Denial - The Mental Health Costs of Australia's Refugee Policy. A Paper, written for The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Conference of 10-14 May 2003, by Zachary Steel (M. Psych), Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Lecturer, Psychiatry Research & Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales. (WORD document 180 Kb)
ChilOut Report: The heart of the nation's existence - A review of reports on the treatment of children in Australian detention centres © ChilOut 2002. (WORD document 492 Kb)
The Mental Health and Well-being of On-Shore Asylum Seekers in Australia - Derrick Sylove & Zachary Steel, The Mental Health and Well-being of On-Shore Asylum Seekers in Australia. Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales (PDF File 176 Kb)
Peter Mares, The generous country? - Asylum seeking in Australia: myths, facts and statistics, at the Conference "What Next? A Public Forum on Asylum Seekers in Australia", on 13 September 2001, Storey Hall RMIT, Melbourne. (PDF File 103 Kb)
Asylum Seeker Policy: End Mandatory Detention - End Mandatory Detention - Refugee and Asylum Seeker Policy in Australia. Research, Analysis and Recommendations Undertaken for the Independent Education Union by The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education (February 26, 2002). (PDF File 86 Kb)
Sea Change: Australia's New Approach to Asylum Seekers - February 2002 Report by the US Committee for Refugees. (PDF File 779 Kb)
UNHCR 2001 World Overview: Refugees by Numbers - At the start of 2001 the number of people 'of concern' to UNHCR was 21.8 million, or one out of every 275 persons on Earth. This compared with a January 1, 2000 figure of 22.3 million ... Afghans constitute the largest single refugee population in the world of concern to UNHCR with an estimated 3.6 million people or 30 percent of the global refugee population. (PDF File 1.2 Mb)
Restoring dignity or enforcing stereotypes? Australia's asylum seekers - Document by the Sisters of Mercy Refugee Service, "Responding with Mercy, Striving for Dignity" (PDF File 62 Kb)
Draft Summary Report of the Refugee Convention - Draft Summary Report of the Refugee Convention Where to From Here? Centre for Refugee Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 6-9 December 2001. (WORD document 68 Kb)
Revised Guidelines on Applicable Criteria and Standards relating to the Detention of Asylum Seekers - An essential UNHCR February 1999 document, also cited in an appeal against the US Attorney-General John Ashcroft on behalf of Haitian Refugees, and sourced by the team of US Human Rights lawyers right here at the Project SafeCom website in 2002. (PDF File 156 Kb)
The United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention in pictures - The United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention in pictures, with Questions and Answers. (PDF File 1.3 Mb)

Climate Change and Sustainability

The Australia Institute: Clean coal and other greenhouse myths - This paper by George Wilkenfeld, Clive Hamilton and Hugh Saddler exposes sixteen greenhouse myths, and reiterates the basic principles of an effective greenhouse policy: no new coal-fired generation until it meets the criteria for at least half-clean use; encouragement of renewable and gas-fired generation; an increasingly stringent cap on emissions supported by a tradeable permit system; and stringent minimum energy efficiency standards for vehicles, buildings and appliances. (PDF File 75 Kb)
Prof Ross Garnaut Climate Change Review: 4 July Draft Report - The Garnaut Climate Change Review ... was required to examine the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy, and to recommend medium- to long-term policies and policy frameworks to improve the prospects of sustainable prosperity. (PDF File 13.2 Mb)
John von Doussa, HREOC Background Paper on Human Rights and Climate Change - A Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission paper, prepared by the Hon John von Doussa QC, Allison Corkery and Renée Chartres. "...whether particular climate change responses relate to local communities in Australia, to immigration policies for people seeking to come to Australia to escape environmental catastrophes, or to funding for adaptation measure overseas, a human rights-based approach to policy development could, and should, be adopted to provide a standard against which policy and resource allocation is evaluated." (PDF File 183 Kb)
Jack Ehrhardt: Earthship building, an Ecocentric Method of Construction - A sustainable society is defined as one that satisfies its needs without diminishing the prospects of future generations. Just as building codes are written to preserve the health and safety of the public, sustainable building is emerging as a responsible way for humanity to preserve the health and safety of the planet. (PDF File 1.16 Mb)
Australia 2020 Summit: Initial Summit Report - This gathering of 1000 Australians in the Great Hall, then, is not an end in itself, but part of something broader - a public conversation in which all voices are welcome. In the Prime Minister's words, "Government, irrespective of its political persuasion, does not have a monopoly on policy wisdom." (PDF File 1.03 Mb)
Prof Ross Garnaut Climate Change Review: Interim Report - The Ross Garnaut Interim Report became public in February 2008. Commissioned by the (then) Opposition ALP leadership, now known as the Kevin Rudd Government, it identifies as addressed to the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia. (PDF file, 634 Kb)
Friends of the Earth: Voices from communities affected by climate change - The Full report by Friends of the Earth International, Friends of the Earth Australia and Oxfam Australia, authored by Polly Buchhorn & Stephanie Long. "When it did happen the bushfire brought my community to its knees, for a time. My family and I were lucky. We lost some fences, but others lost their homes." (PDF File 2.45 Mb)
Friends of the Earth Citizens' Guide to Climate Refugees - The Friends of the Earth Citizens' Guide to Climate Refugees. Background information and six Fact Sheets. "While the Earth has always endured natural climate change variability, we are now facing the possibility of irreversible climate change in the near future". (PDF File 2.3 Mb)
Walk Against Warming: International Day of Action on Climate Change - Join together in Perth for the International Day of Action on Climate Change! Meet Russel Square (James St) Northbridge, Sat November 4, 2006 12:30pm. Inspiring speakers, great entertainment, local music and a range of informative displays will greet you at the end of the 1km walk which winds up at the Perth Cultural Centre,opposite PICA. (PDF File )
US Army Environment Center: Building a Worm Farm - An information sheet from the US Army Environment Center. "Composting organic waste with the help of red wiggler worms is an excellent way to reduce garbage going to landfills while returning vital organic material to the soil ... Over time, the worms turn food waste into rich material that can be added to soil." (PDF File 45 Kb)
The Construction of a Fkakkari Yurt - A clear article and technical how-to by Ellisif Fkakkari aka Monica Cellio. "I learned about yurts from Todric and Bakshi of the Moritu, who were gracious enough to take me on a yurt tour; this article describes how to build a yurt that is approximately 16 feet in diameter." (PDF File 42 Kb)

Forced Asylum Seeker Deportations

Many of the documents in the section below on Deportation issues were formed or sourced in the context of the National Anti-Deportation Alliance in 2003, which was formed during the period that Australia was intending to forcibly deport dozens of Iranian asylum seekers at the start of what the Government planned to be a deportation of many hundreds of asylum seekers who were held in detention centres. Project SafeCom became the storehouse for the Alliance - see the 'home page' for the Alliance on our website here.

National Anti-Deportation Alliance Logo - The NADA Logo, designed by Deborah Kelly. (PDF File 52 Kb)
National Anti-Deportation Alliance Anti-Deportation Help Card - A pocket-size Alert Card with the "covert" phone number of the Alliance, as sent to everyone in the Baxter Detention Centre. (PDF File 13 Kb)
NADA Information Form for People at Risk of Deportation - National Anti-Deportation Alliance Information Request Form. "This form, like any other documents you receive, should only be completed after consultation with a trusted friend or advocate..." (PDF File 112 Kb)
National Anti-Deportation Alliance says: No Forced Deportations - National Anti-Deportation Alliance says "No Forced Deportations" as Iranian deadline looms. A Media Release from May 26 2003. (PDF File 73 Kb)
Petition: Statement of Intent to Stop Forced Deportations - A 2-column layout National Anti-Deportation Alliance Petition to the House of Parliament: "We, a national alliance of refugee and asylum seeker advocates, community supporters, legal advisers and activists declare our intent to fight deportations." (WORD document 32 Kb)
Leaflet: Statement of Intent to Stop Forced Deportations - National Anti-Deportation Alliance Leaflet: "We will make the Australian government accountable for its deeds in and out of detention centres. These callous crimes will not be committed in our name." (WORD document 38 Kb)
Leaflet: Statement of Intent to Stop Forced Deportations - National Anti-Deportation Alliance Leaflet: "We will make the Australian government accountable for its deeds in and out of detention centres. These callous crimes will not be committed in our name." (PDF File 81 Kb)
National Anti-Deportation Alliance: No deportations to Iran! - Petition to the Hon Speaker and members of the House of Representatives: "Your petitioners wish to point out that the government of Iran is highly repressive, and that respected human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have reported..." (WORD Rich Text Format 7 Kb)
Using direct action to prevent the forcible deportation of asylum seekers - The question "How can we use direct action to prevent the forcible deportation of Asylum Seekers through Perth?" became a call for a large networking phone-in meeting from Western Australia. Document provides a good summary of important anti-deportation considerations. (PDF File 10 Kb)
Australian Council of Trade Unions alert to Airline Unions - A deportation alert flyer, issued by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). Comprises printable document of 2 x A5 flyers for handing to Airline Staff - two flyers about forced deportations, two flyers about the Bakhtiyari Family. (WORD document 28 Kb)
ACTU International Committee Opposes Refugee Deportations - Statement from the ACTU International Committee to ACTU Executive (July 4, 2003). "Considering that forcible deportations involve life or death situations, violate international treaties and obligations, risks inflicting further persecution upon asylum seekers and is fundamentally unjust, this ACTU International Committee meeting resolves..." (WORD document 22 Kb)
Complaint Form to the Committee Against Torture - Complaint Form to the Committee Against Torture, a formal document for communications under article 22 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. From UNIYA, the Jesuit Refugee Service. (WORD document 32 Kb)
United Nations Convention against Torture General Comment One - From UNHCR, Implementation of article 3 of the Convention against Torture in the context of article 22 - 21/11/97. Convention against Torture (CAT) General comment 1. The Committee against Torture "shall consider communications received under article 22 in the light of all information made available to it by or on behalf of the individual and by the State party concerned". (PDF File 53 Kb)
UNIYA Memo: Complaint to the UN Committee Against Torture - UNIYA Jesuit Social Justice Centre Memo: "Once all available domestic remedies have been exhausted, a complaint could be communicated on behalf of an Iranian asylum seeker to the Committee Against Torture to decide whether their forced deportation violates the obligation of Australia under article 3 of the Torture Convention..." (WORD document 70 Kb)
UN Fact Sheet: Procedures for 1503 Complaint or Optional Protocol - Fact Sheet No.7: "A consistent pattern of violations" (the 1503 procedure); the Optional Protocol procedure - Anyone may bring a human rights problem to the attention of the United Nations. This fact sheet explains the procedures, and the ways open to individuals and groups who want the United Nations to take action on a human rights situation that is of concern to them. (WORD document 67 Kb)
Heads of Churches in WA to Christians contemplating offering refugees Sanctuary - "Furthermore we recognise that there may be members of our Christian congregations, who, through prayer and reflection, decide that they must obey the teachings of Jesus and offer sanctuary to asylum seekers currently on TPVs in the community who are in danger of being deported from Australia." (WORD document 27 Kb)
Uniting Church: Government seeks to Deport Iranian Asylum Seekers - Briefing and Action strategy document of The Uniting Church in Australia. "The Australian Government has failed to recognise Iranian Christian asylum seekers as refugees. Religious persecution remains a problem in Iran. Groups that have been particularly targeted have been Muslims that have converted to Christianity, evangelical Protestant Christians, members of the Baha'i faith and Muslims that dissent from the ruling clerical establishment." (WORD document 53 Kb)
UNHCR Media Relations London: Statement Responding to Forcible Return of Afghans - A UNHCR statement in response to first forcible returns of Afghans by the UK Government on 28 April 2003. (PDF File 140 Kb)
No Deportations to Iran - Perth Refugee Rights Action Network (RRAN) - Flyer from the Perth Refugee Rights Action Network (RRAN). "Detainees in South Australia's Baxter detention centre were told on Monday April 28 that they had 28 days to accept voluntary return or face the dire consequences of involuntary repatriation." (PDF File 77 Kb)
Flyer for Arriving Passengers at Airports - Distribution Flyer from the Perth Refugee Rights Action Network (RRAN) used at Perth International Airport, in Melbourne and in Sydney. (PDF File 9 Kb)
Flyer for Departing Passengers at Airports - Distribution Flyer from the Perth Refugee Rights Action Network (RRAN) used at Perth International Airport, in Melbourne and in Sydney. (PDF File 12 Kb)
Report by the Australian Senate: Removals From Australia - Chapter 10 of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee's Report 'Sanctuary Under Review'. The full report can be accessed on the Parliament of Australia website at this location. (PDF File 12 Kb)
Uniting Church Report on Deaths following Deportation - Report by the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) on deaths following removal from Australia. The document contains two deportation case studies. (WORD document 49 Kb)
UK Institute of Race Relations: Deaths During Deportation - Analysis: Deaths during forced deportation. By Liz Fekete, The Institute of Race Relations (January 2003). The report contains case details of nine deaths during forced deportations in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, France, Austria and the United Kingdom. (WORD document 51 Kb)
C v Australia: UN Communication No 900 - Report of the UN Human Rights Committee in relation to an Assyrian Christian Asylum Seeker in Port Phillip Prison (WORD document, 81Kb)
Noone should be deported without an independent review - Refugee Action Committee Canberra: Letter to DIMIA Staff, Canberra, 24 May 2003. (WORD document, 43Kb)
Media Release: Threatened removal of Iranian Asylum Seekers - Uniting Church of Australia, WA Synod Office, Media Release 28 May 2003. (WORD document, 53Kb)

The Bakhtiari family cover-up

Bakhtiari family: Identity evidence from Afghanistan - This is a file with documentation presented to Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone by lawyers for the Bakhtiari family, faxed to the Minister's office on 21 January 2004. This "new evidence" was ignored by the minister. (PDF File 1,984 Kb)
Bakhtiari family: Solicitor Paul Boylan's letter to The Australian - "Your comment in today's edition of your paper that 'nobody can suggest that the courts have not had a good look at the family's claim' grossly misleads the Australian public. [....] clause provides in part that Mr Bakhtiyari's Refugee Review Tribunal decision 'must not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed or called in question in any court'." (PDF File 34 Kb)
The Bahktiari Files Part One - Media coverage of the Bahktiari case: from February 10, 2002 (Innocents in centre of a storm) to February 4 2003 (High Court upholds Tampa laws) (WORD document compressed as Zip File 153 kB)
The Bahktiari Files Part Two - Media coverage of the Bahktiari case: from 24 July 2003 (SA Govt prepares child detention challenge) to November 20, 2003 (Detentions challenge can proceed) (WORD document compressed as Zip File 120 kB)
The Bahktiari Files Part Three - Media coverage of the Bahktiari case: from April 29 2004 (MEDIA RELEASE: High Court Ruling does not undo Children's Rights breaches) to December 26, 2004 (Bakhtiyaris 'unlikely' to be deported today) (WORD document compressed as Zip File 182 kB)
The Bahktiari Files Part Four - Media coverage of the Bahktiari case: from 20 December 2004 (Boylan & Co., Barristers, Solicitors, Conveyancers & Notaries, Re: The Bakhtiyari Family) to 19 January 2005 (Julian Burnside: A day of reflection) (WORD document compressed as Zip File 117 kB)
The Bahktiari Files Part Five - Media coverage of the Bahktiari case: from September 28, 2005 (Bakhtiari case 'won't be reopened') to October 07, 2005 (The Australian, Editorial: Two boys betrayed) (WORD document compressed as Zip File 100 kB)

SIEV X Campaign resources

The SIEV X National Memorial Project - Getting Started - The SIEV X National Memorial Project is an Australia-wide Young People's Art Collaboration, to design and build a memorial to the people of SIEV X, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. If you would like to receive further information, curriculum materials, and teacher guidelines early in 2004, please Fax this form today. (PDF File 83 Kb)
The SIEV X National Memorial Project - Draft guidelines - The SIEV X National Memorial Project is an Australia-wide Young People's Art Collaboration, to design and build a memorial to the people of SIEV X, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. These are the Draft Guidelines for your Art Work to be submitted. (PDF File 22 Kb)
The SIEV X National Memorial Project - Brochure - Art Teachers, Technology and Design Teachers, as well as Social Studies and English Departments of secondary schools are invited to have their students participate in the SIEV X National Memorial Project. (PDF File 47 Kb)
The SIEV X National Memorial Project - The SIEV X National Memorial Project Briefing paper. The SIEV X National Memorial Project is an Australia-wide Young People's Art Collaboration, to design and build a memorial to the people of SIEV X, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. (PDF File 363 Kb)
Refugee Action Committee: The SIEV X dossier - The Refugee Action Committee asks: "Why did 353 asylum seekers die? Is the Australian government involved?" (PDF File 138 Kb)

Community Campaign Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005

AMCRAN Terrorism Guide: ASIO, The Police and You (2nd edition) - What do I do if ASIO or the AFP come to visit me? ... Do not make a statement or give an interview to the police unless you have talked to a lawyer first ... Produced by Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network (AMCRAN) and UTS Community Law Centre. (PDF File 829 Kb)
Edmund Rice Centre: Debunking Myths about Muslims in Australia - Issued as part of the series "Just Comment". "Through accepting and respecting cultural, religious and social difference, the opportunity exists for a more cohesive society." A joint publication of Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education & The School of Education, Australian Catholic University. (PDF File 128 Kb)
Amnesty International Australia Petition: Opposition to the Anti-Terrorism Bill (No 2) 2005 - We, the undersigned, respect the role that governments must play in protecting the security of their citizens, but also believe that the rights and privileges enjoyed by Australians are not best protected in the long term by the removal of basic civil liberties and human rights. (PDF File 153 Kb)
Gilbert + Tobin: Senate Inquiry Submission on the Anti-Terrorism Bill (No 2) 2005 - "The Bill proposes significant restrictions on the rights and freedoms of people in Australia. Laws that restrict rights should only be made after a fair opportunity for public debate and parliamentary scrutiny." From the Gilbert + Tobin Center of Public Law's Dr Andrew Lynch, Dr Ben Saul, Professor George Williams. (PDF File 252 Kb)
Gilbert + Tobin Center of Public Law: Dr Ben Saul's Briefing On Proposed Australian Counter-terrorism Laws - It seems difficult to justify very intrusive preventative detention measures, control orders, notices to produce, extended time limits on ASIO warrants, stop, search and question powers, and higher penalties for giving false or misleading information to ASIO ... how exactly will federal terrorism offences be "clarified"? The Australian definition of terrorism is already very broad compared with the European Union definition, and attempts to broaden it further cannot be supported, particularly since it triggers exceptional powers. (PDF File 46 Kb)
Project SafeCom Infosheet 18: Terror Laws Information Sheet - In our view the TAMPA drama, the legislation and the ensuing horrors were not really about refugees, but about Australian conservative politicians trying to establish a dictatorship by elected government through the sneaky and incremental exclusion of scrutiny and review by Australian courts and through a subtle undermining of the role and powers of the judiciary. (PDF File 25 Kb)
Perth Forum: What you can do about the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 - The PM and Attorney-General say the final draft of this Anti-terrorism legislation will not be substantially changed. It will attack human rights and undermine fundamental legal protections that ensure freedom from arbitrary detention and freedom of association, expression and movement. (PDF File 227 Kb)
The November 4 Perth Terror Laws Forum: Promotional Flyer - More and more Australians are deeply troubled about the unprecedented powers contained in the Federal Government's draft anti-terrorism legislation. Forum on Friday November 4th 2005, Social Sciences Lecture Theatre University of WA. (PDF File 175 Kb)
Write to your MP or Senator: Will you Cross The Floor, Senator? - You can use this sample letter as a guide for your action or draft your own letter. This sample letter needs to be sent to your local MP and State Senator, especially if this MP is a Coalition MP or Senator. (WORD document 22 Kb)

Christmas Island Detention Centre Campaign

Christmas Island: Children's playground, nursery, childcare classrooms (1) - Leaked Architect plans (1) of the Christmas Island detention centre. "Never mind the fury of the Coalition backbenchers who demanded a stop to the detention of children: John Howard does exactly what he feels like doing...." (PDF File 331Kb)
Christmas Island: Children's playground, nursery, childcare classrooms (2) - Leaked Architect plans (2) of the Christmas Island detention centre. "Never mind the fury of the Coalition backbenchers who demanded a stop to the detention of children: John Howard does exactly what he feels like doing...." (PDF File 183Kb)
ASRC's Christmas Island Detention Centre Campaign Flyer - Melbourne's Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's flyer: The Cost to the Australian taxpayer is $500 million plus, and the cost to Human Rights is immeasurable... (PDF File 420Kb)
Stop the Construction of the Christmas Island Detention Centre - Petition by Refugee Action Collective of Victoria, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, National Council of Churches and A Just Australia: "We, the undersigned, are alarmed at the recently released plans for the new immigration detention centre currently being built on Christmas Island..." (PDF File 188Kb)

Other Action & Campaign Resources

Nationwide Public Rally supporting Chinese Dissidents - The June 2005 Australia-wide Rally Flyer: • Grant Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun asylum • Support people who withdraw from the Chinese Communist Party • Don't help the Communist regime to hide the persecution of Falun Gong and dissident groups • Safeguard Australians, expel Chinese Communist spies. (PDF File 24 Kb)
The Morning Star & Papua Maps: Free West Papua Flag Action Kit - We used these Word documents, PDF files, JPEG high resolution images to print and make large as well as small West Papuan flags, and people just LOVED it! (WinZip File 1.5 Mb)
Edmund Rice Centre: Debunking the Myths about Asylum Seekers - This is the original Debunking the Myths about Asylum Seekers document, and perhaps the most wide-spread document on this issue in Australia since the 2001 Federal election. (PDF File 203 Kb)
Edmund Rice Centre: Debunking More Myths About Asylum Seekers - The follow-up document, related to the original Debunking the Myths about Asylum Seekers document (above). (PDF File 123 Kb)
Advertising ERC's Debunking Myths about Asylum Seekers - Debunking Myths about Asylum Seekers - Appeal for a full-page advertisement in the Sunday Telegraph on Palm Sunday, 24 March 2002 on the morning of Palm Sunday march. (WORD document 44 Kb)
ChilOut @ Flinders News Bulletin - ChilOut Flinders University Branch: News Bulletin September 2002. (PDF File 387 Kb)
Amnesty - Defend Refugees Human Rights - Amnesty International Australia - Defend Refugees' Human Rights: schools campaign action kit 2002. (Zip File 404 Kb)
No detention: The humanitarian alternative - No detention: The humanitarian alternative to mandatory detention. An open letter to the refugee rights movement in Australia. (PDF File 63 Kb)
Asylum Seekers: Challenging the misconceptions - A document produced by Senator Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland. (PDF File 726 Kb)
ALP Members Forum on Asylum Seekers Policy - Administrative Committee Report (5 April 2002) (PDF File 44 Kb)
Human Rights and Australia: is this still the land of the "fair go"? - Speech by Irene Khan, Secretary General, Amnesty International delivered at the National Press Club, Canberra, 5 March 2002. (RTF Format File 303 Kb)
No to racism - Free the refugees - Refugee Action Committee Campaign statement. (RTF Format File 16 Kb)
Churches call for Major reforms in Australia's Treatment of Asylum Seekers - June 2001, National Council of Churches in Australia. (PDF File 71 Kb)
Seven deadly laws to prevent refugees seeking asylum in Australia - Brotherhood Comment (Bulletin of The Brotherhood of St Lawrence, Fitzroy, Melbourne), Issue December 2001 (PDF File 134 Kb)
SMH: Howard, Beazley lashed over race - Report "Howard, Beazley lashed over race", in The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday November 8, 2000. (PDF File 249 Kb)
Senator Kerry Nettle: The Greens Refugee Action Kit - This Action Kit is designed to help you take action against the Government's refugee policies....(PDF File, 124 Kb)
James Redknapp, I stopped the Boats - A four-page document about the enormous achievements of Australian Grand Leader J Winston BSM for printing and distribution ... (PDF File 62 Kb)
The Global Solutions Behaviour Modification Plan for Baxter - The 'Original' Global Solutions Ltd Behaviour Modification Plan for the Baxter Redgum compound. (WORD Rich Text Format 358Kb)
The AAR 2004 Schools Competition: There is No Place like Home - Brought to you by Australians Against Racism: the Information flyer and enrolment form for the 2004 Schools competition. (PDF File 62Kb)
Call for Justice for Aboriginal Elder - Announcement of Public Meeting Wednesday 13th February 2008: We need the support of people with a passion for justice. Please consider attending this urgent public meeting to offer your support, voices, knowledge and skills in organising this campaign for Justice.(PDF File 172 Kb)
Nauru Asylum Seekers' Hunger Strike Statement of Concern and Support - Petition to the Prime Minister John Howard. This petition can be printed, signed by everyone, and sent to Howard's office in Sydney. (PDF file 17kB)
Julian Burnside QC: The Parliamentarians' Letter writing Project - Forcing Politicians to answer important Questions. (WORD document 49 Kb)
Julian Burnside QC: The Parliamentarians' Letter writing Project - Forcing Politicians to answer important Questions. (PDF File 18 Kb)

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