By Kyra Gillespie
A local refugee advocacy group are keeping Australia’s refugee crisis at the forefront of people’s minds after the festive season.
Members of Casey-Cardinia for Refugees gathered in Pakenham on Thursday 24 January with banners and signage, urging passing motorists to recognise the men, women and children still living on the islands of Manus and Nauru.
“Residents have been busy with Christmas and holidays, and now are returning to work and school refreshed – while at the same time, the circumstances forced upon the detained refugees offshore, continue to drastically erode their health and belief in a future,” group member Anne Jones said.
“We do not want these people to be forgotten and left indefinitely to languish on these faraway islands with no hope of a meaningful life or ever reconnecting with their families.
Late last year, the national Kids off Nauru campaign resulted in almost all of the children and their families being transported to Australia for medical treatment.
Currently there are around seven children left, four of whom are to be taken to the United States.
“It is our hope that the politicians in Canberra will see fit to pass the Urgent Medical Treatment Bill in the House of Representatives, when parliament resumes in early February,” Ms Jones continued.
“This will ensure those men and women needing urgent medical attention can be brought to Australia, without delay. We urge people to take the step of contacting politicians to request the passing of this legislation.”
Casey-Cardinia for Refugees meet monthly to plan actions, and can be contacted on face book or by email on caseycardiniaforrefugees@gmail.com
