Tragedy on Christmas Island

Transcript by Newsy.com

BY JAYNE HENSON



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The Australian government is under scrutiny for its refugee policy after a wooden boat full of refugees slammed into the rocky shores of Christmas Island. At least 28 asylum seekers died in that tragic accident.

Australia had agreed to take in 500 refugees from Indonesia, but a new report says it’s only accepted 100. The Christmas Island incident is just the latest tragedy impacting those seeking asylum in Australia. (Video: The Australian)

Fox News explains why so many refugees are still willing to make the perilous journey.

“Because that is where anybody that reaches Australian territory by boat is detained and then processed. What that basically means is that if they can show they will be persecuted then they will likely be taken in by Australia or other countries that are friendly to refugees

In the Christian Science Monitor, critics argue the Christmas Island detention center is itself the problem.


“Australian rights activists argue that a policy of detaining refugees on remote islands is inhumane and contrary to international humanitarian law. The United Nations’ refugee agency has also criticized the practice, citing the hardship faced by those left in limbo on Christmas Island.”

That detention center has been a hot button issue in Australian politics since the country began processing arrivals there two years ago.

It’s been called the Pacific Solution -- and has been widely criticized by rights groups like Amnesty International for holding asylum seekers under lock and key while their claims are processed.

That brings us back to this specific incident. ABC News Australia explains, other human rights activists have accused the Australian government of being slow to respond to the news of problems aboard the incoming vessel during poor weather – essentially using a policy of deterrence.


“We know that we have very efficient surveillance out there and, if indeed, they did know the boat was coming, which is highly likely, why didn’t someone stop it?

But Sky News shares the eyewitness account of one observer who explains the challenges and hardships of rescue efforts on that day.

“The locals of Christmas Island turned out en masse to help any way they could and not one of us could do a damn thing to help anyone in the water because it was just so dangerous. None of the vessels could get near any of the people. All we could do was just watch and hope that someone might survive.”

The BBC reports more than 6,000 asylum seekers reached Australia by boat in 2010 -- saying that could be the highest number in 20 years.


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1. By: newsydotcom
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4. Added :16-Dec-10
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