Research commissioned by the Independent Education Union. The report examines alternatives to the current policies of mandatory detention and the Pacific Solution.

Following significant disquiet expressed by a range of organisations at a 2000 Senate Inquiry, the Edmund Rice Centre has conducted an investigation into the fate of deported asylum seekers. The results are disturbing with many returned to unsafe places.

Under the increasingly common Shared Responsibility Agreements, or SRAs, Indigenous communities have to barter for basic goods and services in exchange for changes in their behavior or hygiene.

The Government is using the threat of terrorism to introduce laws that put our most basic civil liberties under threat. The ramifications have the potential to be as terrifying as terrorism itself. (Law Council of Australia, SMH advertisement, 5/12/05)

The notorious Kakuma Refugee Camp is located in Northern Kenya, an arid, drought-affected region populated by the nomadic Turkana people. The population of the camp is made up of nine nationalities and dozens of ethnic groups, although the majority are refugees from fighting in the Sudan and Somalia.

Some commentators have suggested that “terrorism” is a problem arising out of the policy of “multiculturalism.” Yet the evidence suggests exactly the opposite.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, Bali in October 2002 and London in 2005, the religion of Islam has consistently been associated with terrorism. It is a dangerous oversimplification to confuse people of the Muslim faith with terrorism.

Cover story - Let’s Talk Rural: An Education of Rural Indigenous Issues. A group of young adults piled onto one bus for eight days, and headed out west. Does this sound a bit like a bad Hollywood movie? (7/01/2002)

Cover Story - Choosing sides in Guatemala: A Brief Reflection. Father Rigoberto is not a very big man; he has a ready laugh and a good humoured and happy outlook on life. (1/02/2002)

Cover Story: Brazil representatives visit Australia to explore issues of social justice and human rights. From February 12-28 five representatives from organisations in Brazil visited non-government organisations and social justice groups in Australia as part of ERC’s ongoing immersion program. (1/02/2002)

Cover Story - Zambia: Learning about the spirit of Africa. In October 2002, eight Indigenous and non- Indigenous participants gathered in Lusaka for the ERC Zambia Immersion. (1/03/2002)

Cover story: Advocating for Safe Asylum. In November 2002 on the steps of St Mary’s Cathedral the Coalition for Protection of Asylum Seekers (COPAS) launched a statement requesting the Government to make many changes to Australia’s approach to people seeking Asylum. (1/05/2002)

Cover Story: Let's talk local (30/08/2002)

This edition includes articles on a new project to promote the Earth Charter, updates from Let's Talk and Kevin Jacobsen's visit to the Kimberley. (30/11/2004)

UWS muslim students conference brochure

Many gay people suffer from discrimination because of misconceptions or a lack of understanding about their sexuality. This issue examines rights for Gay Australians

As several countries try to pay off huge public debt due to the financial crisis and apply spending cuts - voices of caution say this is ‘a dangerous idea’ because this response indicates there is one set of rules for rich countries and another for poor countries. 

The financial ship has been taken into dangerous waters by those at the top and they do not suffer from austerity budgets. We need to listen to those who have suffered from these budgets: children who only get one chance at an education; the sick and disabled unable to support themselves; and seniors too old to work. 

This war on the majority of people intensifies as the global business class’ call for austerity ‘hides processes of the uneven distribution of risk and vulnerability.’ 

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An overview of the first evening of the 2012 series of PCP's Pacific Climate Talks @ UTS . The evening explored the links between Food Security and Climate Change for low-lying Pacific Island Countries such as Tuvalu.

Invited speakers included:-

• Taukiei Kitara, Tuvaluan environmentalist;
• Jenni Downes, Australian Religious Response to Climate Change;
• Russell Grayson, Sydney Food Fairness Alliance. 

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Dear ERC Supporter,

Last month I was back in Afghanistan monitoring the safety of asylum seekers who had been rejected by Australia.

It was a very difficult time and reminded me that if ever we need to mobilise the good will and empathy so many Australians have shown towards asylum seekers, it is now.  

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In the light of the on-going national debate about constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, NSW Labor MP and deputy-leader of the opposition, Linda Burney, will share her perspectives at a public gathering to be held next week.

Linda, a long-time friend of the Edmund Rice Centre, is the first Indigenous person to serve in the New South Wales Parliament. She has been a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly since 2003, and has spent four years as a cabinet minister.

This special evening is being held as part of this year's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Christian Brother's founder, Edmund Rice. Please pass details on to others who may be interested in attending.

WHEN: 6.30pm, Thursday 3rd May, 2012.
WHERE: St Patrick’s College, Francis Street, Strathfield.
COST: per person
RSVP: ASAP!! Please see flyer and registration form - due 24th April 2012