Vic:Asylum seeker policy is inciting community fears, report say

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2001
Vic:Asylum seeker policy is inciting community fears, report say

A Catholic human rights group has accused the federal government of intimidating asylum
seekers and inciting a fear of foreiners in the community.

The Age newspaper says a report to be launched today by the social justice arm of the
Catholic Church also accuses the government of creating the Tampa crisis in August.

It says the Howard Government has treated Pacific nations as if they are client states
subject to Australia's bidding.

Based on submissions from non-government bodies, the report calls on the community
to pressure the government to abandon the so-called Pacific Solution, and develop a new
policy on processing claims for refugee status.

The report, prepared by the Catholic Commission for Justice, Development and Peace,
has accused both sides of politics of encouraging racism for electoral gain.

The Age says to appear as strong leaders both major parties used the argument that
Australia could not be seen as a soft touch for asylum seekers.

AAP RTV svm/rsm/rtn

KEYWORD: BOAT REPORT (MELBOURNE)

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