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Edmund Rice Centre

15 Henley Rd
(PO Box 2219)
Homebush West,
NSW 2140
AUSTRALIA

Ph:  (02) 8762 4200
Fx:  (02) 8762 4220

Int'l Ph: +61 2 8762 4200
Int'l Fx: +61 2 8762 4220

Email: erc@erc.org.au

Located just 100 metres to the south of Flemington Railway Station. Link to new location on Google Maps

Brisbane Annexe

5 Abingdon St
(Postal: 84 Park Rd)
Woolloongabba,
QLD 4102

Ph 1: (07) 3103 7376
Ph 2: (02) 8090 1976
Fax: (02) 8762 4220

Staffed part-time
 - please call for appt

 

media releases publications research submissions ERC event photos

ERC Deportations Research - Deported to Danger - Media Statements & Coverage

ERC Deportation Research - Index


Links to Recent Media Coverage


Feature - Fears well founded
CathNews, Australia - 19 Nov 2008
The film follows the travels of Phil Glendenning, who is the director of Sydney based social justice body the Edmund Rice Centre. ...
SMH
Fear of the known
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 16 Nov 2008
The film follows the travels of Phil Glendenning, who is the director of Sydney-based social justice body the Edmund Rice Centre. ...

Television - A Well Founded Fear
CathNews, Australia - 12 Nov 2008
Director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Phil Glendenning heads a small social justice agency, a ministry of the Christian Brothers, which has been travelling ...
 
Howards hideous legacy: deported asylum seekers killed
Oceania Indymedia, Australia - 2 Nov 2008
Accounts of the killing were given to the Edmund Rice Centre, last week. The Rudd government says it will investigate reports that some 20 rejected asylum ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Cessnock Advertiser, Australia - 2 Nov 2008
Accounts of the killing were given to Phil Glendenning, director of the Edmund Rice Centre, this week. He told the Herald he has verified the events with ...

Grech calls for review over Down's Syndrome visa rejection
CathNews, Australia - 2 Nov 2008
In another story, Phil Glendenning, director of the Edmund Rice Centre, has confrimed that an asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard ...
 
Australian government’s refugee policy kills
Green Left Weekly, Australia - 1 Nov 2008
The director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Phil Glendenning, who spent six years tracing the refugees believes that at least 20 have died. ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Tamworth Northern Daily Leader, Australia - 1 Nov 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
Croatia
AFGHAN-AUSTRALIA/ASYLUM Afghan Killed After Seeking Australia Asylum
Javno.hr, Croatia - 1 Nov 2008
A self-described poet, Hussain was sent back to Afghanistan after his application for asylum was rejected, the paper said. An Afghan man whose application ...
 
'Taliban' kill asylum seeker
News24.com, South Africa - 31 Oct 2008
Sydney - An Afghan man whose application for asylum was rejected by Australia has been beheaded by suspected Taliban after returning home, ...
Canada
Rejected Afghan asylum seeker beheaded after deportation from ...
Vancouver Sun,  Canada - 31 Oct 2008
SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Afghan man whose application for asylum was rejected by Australia has been beheaded by suspected Taliban after returning home, ...
NZ
Afghan killed after seeking asylum
TVNZ, New Zealand - 31 Oct 2008
An Afghan man whose application for asylum was rejected by Australia has been beheaded by suspected Taliban after returning home, the Sydney Morning Herald ...
 India
Afghan killed after seeking Australia asylum -paper
Reuters India, India - 31 Oct 2008
SYDNEY, Nov 1 (Reuters) - An Afghan man whose application for asylum was rejected by Australia has been beheaded by suspected Taliban after returning home, ...
 UK
Afghan killed after seeking Australia asylum -paper
Reuters AlertNet, UK - 31 Oct 2008
SYDNEY, Nov 1 (Reuters) - An Afghan man whose application for asylum was rejected by Australia has been beheaded by suspected Taliban after returning home, ...
NZ
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
The Nelson Mail, New Zealand - 31 Oct 2008
By CYNTHIA BANHAM - SMH | Saturday, 01 November 2008 An Afghan asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by ...
NZ
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Marlborough Express, New Zealand - 31 Oct 2008
By CYNTHIA BANHAM - SMH | Saturday, 01 November 2008 An Afghan asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by ...
NZ
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Manawatu Standard, New Zealand - 31 Oct 2008
By CYNTHIA BANHAM - SMH | Saturday, 01 November 2008 An Afghan asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by ...

Man rejected for asylum in Australia tortured, beheaded
Brisbane Times, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
An Afghan asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
NZ
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - 31 Oct 2008
By CYNTHIA BANHAM - SMH | Saturday, 01 November 2008 An Afghan asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Cooma Monaro Express, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Busselton Dunsborough Mail,  Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 USA
Afghan man beheaded after denied asylum
Times of the Internet, Ohio - 31 Oct 2008
An Afghan man has been beheaded in his native land after his request for asylum in Australia was rejected, an official says. Edmund Rice Center Director ...
 UPI
Afghan man beheaded after denied asylum
United Press International - 31 Oct 2008
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- An Afghan man has been beheaded in his native land after his request for asylum in Australia was rejected, ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Myall Coast Nota, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Nambucca Guardian News, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Bendigo Advertiser, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Liverpool Champion, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Ballarat Courier, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Flinders News, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Stock and Land, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
North West Star, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Penrith City Star, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
South Western Rural Advertiser, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
St George & Sutherland Shire Leader, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Moree Champion, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
The Northern News, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Camden Advertiser, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Blacktown Sun, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Macarthur Advertiser, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
St Marys Star, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Wollondilly Advertiser, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Hills News, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 Canberra Times
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
The Canberra Times, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Goondiwindi Argus, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Parramatta Sun, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Irrigator, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Summit Sun, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Adelaide Independent Weekly, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Fairfield Champion, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Narromine News and Trangie Advocate, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
SMH
Beheaded after trying for asylum in Australia
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 31 Oct 2008
AN AFGHAN asylum seeker rejected by Australia under the Howard government was tortured and beheaded by kidnappers less than four weeks ago in a province ...
 NZ
Call on Australia to reconsider cases of Afghans sent back from Nauru
Radio New Zealand International, New Zealand - 28 Oct 2008
Australia closed its detention centre in Nauru this year - seven years after launching its policy of screening asylum-seekers offshore which Australia ...
 Pakistan
Taliban killed Afghan asylum seekers that Australia sent back
Frontier Post, Pakistan - 28 Oct 2008
Its investigation is featured in a documentary entitled A Well-Founded Fear to be broadcast next month. The documentary includes the story of Gholam Payador ...

VOA

USA

Australia to Investigate Deaths of Rejected Afghan Asylum Seekers
Voice of America - 28 Oct 2008
By Phil Mercer The Australian government is investigating reports that the Taliban killed up to 20 Afghans who were denied asylum in Australia and sent back ...
 USA
Afghanistan: repatriated refugees killed by Taliban
World War 4 Report, NY - 27 Oct 2008
... due to air on the SBS channel, A Well-Founded Fear, produced by Anne Delaney and based on the research of the Edmund Rice Centre's Phil Glendenning. ...

 Bloomberg

USA

Australia Probes Deaths of Afghan Refugees Sent Home, SBS Says
Bloomberg - 27 Oct 2008
By Ed Johnson Oct. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's government is probing a report that as many as 20 Afghan asylum seekers w
 Iran
Australia probes Afghan 'deaths'
Tehran Times, Iran - 27 Oct 2008
SYDNEY (BBC) -- Australia has ordered an investigation into claims that up to 20 Afghan asylum-seekers were killed by the Taliban after being returned home. ...
 USA
Australia To Probe Into Death Of Rejected Afghan Asylum Seekers
RTT News, NY - 27 Oct 2008
(RTTNews) - Australia will conduct an investigation into reports on the death of some 20 Afghan asylum-seekers, who were denied entry to Australia by the ...

 The Times

UK

Afghan asylum seekers sent home by Australia 'killed by Taleban'
Times Online, UK - 27 Oct 2008
The Australian government is investigating claims that up to 20 Afghan asylum seekers denied entry to Australia were killed by the Taleban after being sent ...
 Pakistan
Australia probes Afghan killings
Online - International News Network, Pakistan - 27 Oct 2008
CABNBERRA: Australia has ordered an investigation into claims that up to 20 Afghan asylum-seekers were killed by the Taleban after being returned home. ...

 The Guardian

UK

Australia investigates claims that rejected Afghan asylum seekers ...
guardian.co.uk, UK - 27 Oct 2008
Its investigation is featured in a documentary, entitled A Well-Founded Fear, to be broadcast next month. The documentary includes the story of Gholam ...
SBS
Refugee claims spark fresh call for Royal Commission
Special Broadcasting Service, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 Herald Sun
'Up to 20' rejected refugees killed by Taliban
Herald Sun, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 Daily Telegraph
Refugees Australia rejected 'killed by Taliban'
Daily Telegraph, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 
'Up to 20' rejected refugees killed by Taliban
PerthNow, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 The West Australian
Afghan death claims lead to inquiry call
The West Australian, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 
'Up to 20' rejected refugees killed by Taliban
Adelaidenow, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 
Royal commission call as refugees killed
PerthNow, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
Macquarie Network
Asylum seeker deaths spark royal commission calls
LIVENEWS.com.au, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Edmund Rice Centre director Phil Glendenning says he has documented the deaths of nine of the Afghans, rejected under the Pacific Solution scheme, ...
 Sunday Times
Royal commission call as refugees killed
Sunday Times.au, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 NineMSN
Afghan death claims lead to inquiry call
Ninemsn, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 Herald Sun
Royal commission call as refugees killed
Herald Sun, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 The Australian
Royal commission call as refugees killed
The Australian, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 
Royal commission call as refugees killed
Adelaidenow, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 Courier Mail
Royal commission call as refugees killed
Courier Mail, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 Daily Telegraph
Royal commission call as refugees killed
Daily Telegraph, Australia - 27 Oct 2008
Mr Glendenning makes the claims in a new documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be aired on SBS television next month. Immigration Minister Chris Evans has ...
 NZ
Group says asylum-seekers rejected by Australia were killed by Taleban
Radio New Zealand, New Zealand - 27 Oct 2008
Australia has ordered an investigation into claims that up to 20 Afghan asylum-seekers were killed by the Taleban after being returned home. ...

BBC

UK

Australia probes Afghan 'deaths'
BBC News, UK - 26 Oct 2008
By Nick Bryant Australia has ordered an investigation into claims that up to 20 Afghan asylum-seekers were killed by the Taleban after being returned home. ...
 UK
Probe into deported Afghan asylum seekers killed by Taliban
Balita.org, UK - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary "A Well Founded Fear" ...
 ABC
Evans orders probe into Afghan asylum seekers report
ABC Online, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
Immigration Minister Chris Evans has asked his department to investigate claims that 20 Afghans who applied for asylum in Australia were killed after being ...
 ABC
Sent home to die? Evans orders probe into Afghan asylum seekers report
ABC Online, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
Immigration Minister Chris Evans has asked his department to investigate claims that 20 Afghans who applied for asylum in Australia were killed after being ...
 Malaysia
Probe Into Deported Afghan Asylum Seekers Killed By Taliban
Bernama, Malaysia - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary "A Well Founded Fear" ...
 SkyNews
Asylum seekers die after refused entry
Sky News Australia, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary A Well Founded Fear', ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
WA today, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear, produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
WA today, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, has demanded answers to allegations up to 20 Afghan asylum seekers rejected by Australia under the Howard ...
 Melbourne Herald Sun
Taliban killed returned refugees rejected by Australia
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary A Well Founded Fear, ...
 Melbourne Herald Sun

Taliban killed refugees Australia denied
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary A Well Founded Fear, ...

Feature - Asylum seekers fears are well founded
CathNews, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear, to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
Taliban killed Aussie asylum seekers: report
Streem, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
More asylum seekers who were returned to Afghanistan remain in hiding in Pakistan, according to reports contained in the documentary `A Well Founded Fear', ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Stock Journal, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear , to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
Stock Journal, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
Thursday Magnet, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Thursday Magnet, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear , to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Tenterfield Star, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear , to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
Tenterfield Star, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
The Northern News, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
Hepburn Advocate, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Hepburn Advocate, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear , to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
Afghans sent home to die
Illawara Mercury, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
The film, A Well-Founded Fear , produced by Anne Delaney, is based on the efforts of Phil Glendenning, the director of social justice agency the Edmund Rice ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Wauchope Hastings Gazette, Australia - 26 Oct 2008
His story, along with many others, is told in a documentary, A Well-Founded Fear , to be screened on SBS next month. He had reason to fear the Taliban in ...
 
It's hell for Afghans we rejected
Illawara Mercury, Australia - 26 Oct 2008

Grave Concerns Over Australia's MOU with Afghanistan

Tuesday 25th January 2011

We, Australian organisations and individuals unite to offer this statement to our nation.

A 'Memorandum of Understanding' (MOU) was recently signed between the Australian Government, the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, permitting the involuntary repatriation from Australia of unsuccessful Afghan asylum-seekers back to Afghanistan. The agreement includes provision for sending back children: unaccompanied minors and other Afghan children who have become separated from their families.

Afghanistan is a country marred in decades of civil war and ethnic unrest that has resulted in thousands of deaths over 30 years. It is not safe. There are no indications that the violence and security threats are reducing. 2010 has seen the highest number of civilian casualties since the latest war began in 2001. A recent background briefing on Afghanistan from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees includes a report from aid agencies titled Afghanistan: humanitarian situation likely to worsen in 2011.

Over the past eight years the Edmund Rice Centre's research into Australia's deportations has found that returning asylum-seekers to Afghanistan has produced direct and fatal consequences: for the returned asylum-seekers, or for their immediate family members. Many others have suffered threats and attacks, and today live with the well-founded fear of the very persecution they sought to escape.

Many Afghan asylum-seekers in Australia are members of the Hazara ethnic minority - objects of discrimination and persecution in Afghanistan for decades. There is no reason to believe that the ethnic and sectarian factors, fuelling hostility towards them, have dissipated.

We also have concerns that the Karzai Government will not be able to ensure the safety of returned asylum seekers. As the Refugee Council of Australia has suggested, even with the best intentions the Karzai Government is not able to control the actions of people wishing to cause harm to Hazaras.

Further we note the first two sentences of DFAT's Travel Advice which says:

"We strongly advise you not to travel to Afghanistan because of the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorist attack. If you are in Afghanistan, you should consider leaving."
We reject this MoU at this present time and request that the Australian Government address its humanitarian obligations and provide leadership and asylum for those who are fleeing from a country riddled with conflict, persecution and ongoing violence. We must never send people back to danger.

Latest News: (1) Newsletter 7 Dec: ERC InTouch -- (2) ERC Media: UN climate talks without ambition -- (3) Just Comment 15.3: Cocos Islands

 

Doha Diary: PCP at COP18

26th Nov - 7th Dec 2012
COP18 progress reports from PCP delegates at Doha conference on UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Doha Report Back: 10am Tues, 11th Dec 2012
in Sydney CBD. Hear PCP's delegates views

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Fact-sheets on key issues:
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PCP: ERC & Climate Change

ERC initiative the Pacific Calling Partnership promotes awareness of the devastating effects of climate change on low-lying island communities of the Pacific. The PCP campaign goes beyond both the science and the spin to make evident 'the human face of climate change'.

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Donate to support ERC's work

URGENT! Support our work for asylum seekers.

Update: ERC Director, Phil Glendenning, recently returned to Australia from Afghanistan after 10 days interviewing returned asylum seekers again in Kabul.

ERC is redoubling our efforts to find a third-country resettlement option for those returnees from Australia with whom we have been able to make contact. We need financial support to achieve this.

Such work uncovers high levels of risk for the deportees (and for our researchers). Research publications are available here.

Listen to Phil speak of the visit to ABC Radio National's Phillip Adams.

Please donate now so that this work may continue. Your donation is tax deductible!

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