Element 1.1 Identify aspects of the refugee experience and the impact they have on new arrivals

Welcome Human Rights: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday

Overview of Element 1.1 Introductions – where do we come from? Similarities and differences between refugees, asylum seekers and migrants United Nations declaration Migration Flows in Australia Services available to the newly arrived What are the barriers to access? Finding information about refugee communities

Performance Criteria Define ‘refugee’, ‘asylum seeker’ and ‘migrant’. Describe similarities and differences between migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Describe a selection of support services available to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers Apply the UN Declaration of Human Rights in the context of participants’ home and work lives. Explain some of the barriers for refugees in accessing service.

Migrant A person who has undergone migration from one country to another. Migrants choose when to leave their country, where they go and when they return Others may be forced to migrate, thereby becoming “displaced persons” Migrants may still be a vulnerable group who face many challenges while travelling to, and settling in a new country. Refugees and migrants are fundamentally different and are treated differently under international law Face the Facts, Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008

Refugee any person who...owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his (her) nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself (or herself) of the protection of that country...” The United Nations definition of a Refugee given in the 1951 convention and 1967 Protocol

Asylum Seeker …people who apply to the government of a country for recognition as a refugee and for permission to stay because they claim to fear persecution in their own country on the grounds of race, religion, political beliefs or nationality, or because they belong to a particular social group. Until the government has considered their application against the definition contained in the UN Convention, they will not be recognised as refugees.

Displaced Person An internally displaced person (IDP) may have been forced to flee their home for the same reasons as a refugee, but has not crossed an internationally recognised border. Many IDPs are in refugee-like situations and face the same problems as refugees within their own country.

Migration Programs Skilled stream migrants – 52% of total migration in 2007-08 Chosen according to occupation, age, education, work experience and English language ability Have skills or outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. Some are sponsored by an employer or relative Most must pass a points test Family Stream migrants – over 35% of migrants Chosen according to their relationship with a sponsor who must be a close family member and an Australian resident or citizen Humanitarian Program Entrants Chosen because they are refugees or people in need of humanitarian assistance Face the Facts, Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008

Humanitarian Program Refugee (visa subclass 200) Referral from UNHCR Must meet health and character requirements Medical and travel costs are paid Are eligible for a full range of Australian Government settlement services In-country Special Humanitarian (visa subclass 201) For applicants unable to leave their own country. These visa applicants have the same entitlements as SHP entrants Emergency Rescue (visa subclass 203) For emergency cases only where an applicant has an immediate threat. Referral from UNHCR with less than 48 hours from referral to removal. Health and character tests apply Applicants have the same visa rights as a Refugee visa Woman at Risk (visa subclass 204) For especially vulnerable women and children such as female headed households, single mothers, abandoned or single women. Most applicants have been subjected to extreme violence Referred by UNHCR and other agencies Health and character tests apply. Applicants have the same entitlements as Refugee visa entrants.

Special Humanitarian Program (subclass 202) Targets people who are outside their home country and are subject to substantial persecution and/or discrimination in their home country amounting to a gross violation of their human rights. Must be supported by a proposer who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a community organisation based in Australia. Must meet health and character tests. Receive less support than Refugee visa entrants. Are entitled to a modified initial settlement package provided by the Government.

Migration Stream : Humanitarian Refugee; Humanitarian - Special Assistance; Humanitarian -  Special Hum Program; Onshore: Humanitarian;   Settlers Arriving from 1 Jan 2007 to  1 Jan 2008

Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) Funded by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Provides initial, intensive settlement support to newly-arrived humanitarian entrants Service providers are contracted Services generally provided for around 6 months

IHSS…cont.. Case coordination, information, referrals Work out individual needs. Refer to other government agencies that can provide income support, health care, English language classes and employment services On arrival reception and assistance Support from airport to housing, arrange for a doctor if needed, show person around local area, walk refugee to the local shops, assist with urgent needs for clothing and footwear. Accommodation services Assistance to find suitable housing, to negotiate a lease and to connect services. Household goods provided which may include a fridge, washing machine, TV and beds. Case manager helps refugee to understand what is required for household care and cleanliness. A package of food and hygiene products is provided Short term torture and trauma counselling

IHSS 6 month service Possible extension for vulnerable clients After exit refer to general settlement services Settlement Grants Programs (also DIAC) Migrant Resource Centre Migrant service agencies

Barriers to Access What barriers to accessing services are experienced by refugees?

Accessing settlement reports http://www.settlement.immi.gov.au/settlement/enterSelectReport.do

Numbers by Migration Stream for Migration Stream : All Settlers  Ethnicity: All Settlers Local Government Area: Stirling (C);  Sex : All Settlers Settlers Arriving from 1 Jan 2008 to  1 Jul 2008

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship Settlement Database. Top 10 Countries of Birth for Stirling 1 Jan 2008 to 11 June 2008 Number of Settlers UK 70 India 45 Burma 38 South Africa 22 Ireland 16 Other Central and West Africa 15 China (exc Taiwan and SARS)14 Thailand 14 Sudan 12 Viet Nam 12 Others 135 Birthplace unknown 1 Total 394 Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship Settlement Database.   Note: It is not mandatory to record country of birth which is why there are so many ‘others’.

Refugee There is a house but it is not my house, There are people but they are not my people, There is weather but it is not my country’s weather, There are things but they do not belong to me. I AM A REFUGEE! (anon.)