MUSLIMS AUSTRALIA (AFIC)
PRESS RELEASE

ASYLUM-SEEKERS

6 July 2010

The President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Mr
Ikebal Adam Patel expressed dismay at the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s
new policy on asylum-seekers whereby a regional processing centre could be
set up in East Timor. “This is what John Howard did,” said Mr Patel.
Mr Patel had earlier urged Prime Minister Gillard not to follow the
opposition’s policies on asylum-seekers which have been harsh and
inhumane as those involved had been through a lot in their own countries.
Mr Patel said that this policy did not work in the past and will not work now
or in the future. “Australia cannot afford to have such policies and will be
judged very harshly by the international community. These refugees are
fleeing from political and religious persecution, torture and repressive
regimes, escaping from conflict and war and searching for a better life,”
pleaded Mr Patel.

Mr Patel appealed to the Gillard Government not to be swayed by political
considerations alone and to recognise that the asylum-seekers are not illegal
immigrants and had not broken any laws by entering Australian waters and
that they have a legal right to have their claims for refugee status assessed by
appropriate authorities in Australia rather than overseas.
“Please do not sell asylum-seekers, many of whom are genuine refugees to
score political points,” pleaded Mr Patel