Monday, September 27, 2010

Refugee Campaign Update - Sept 2010

Refugee campaign update

The debate around asylum seeker policy in this year’s federal election was characterised by misinformation, fear and confusion.

In order to ensure the next election does not unfold the same way, we have embarked on a new campaign to change public attitudes towards asylum seekers. In order to do this we need to encourage Australians to have a fresh look at the facts and engage with the personal stories of asylum seekers. We believe that we have the expertise to successfully convince the media, politicians and public to think again about asylum seekers. Changing public attitudes on this issue is an ambitious project that will need to run over several years to have impact. However, the first stage of the campaign is underway with community events and engagement occurring all over the country.

Within the context of our ongoing work to change public attitudes, we need to specifically respond to the policies of the incoming elected government.

How will we do this?


Direct advocacy - writing to the PM and MPs to request meetings – Please contact us if you or anyone from your action group is interested in doing this.
Conversations - An incredibly important part of this campaign is getting Australians to think again about asylum seekers. we will soon be releasing a '10 conversation booklet action' which will call on people to have a conversation to 10 people in their community and ask them to leave a message to go to asylum seekers on Christmas Island. More details coming soon!
Petition - present our 20,000 signature strong petition on the rights of Asylum seekers with Najeeba, who arrived in Australia as an Afhgani asylum seeker.
Detention tour – Graham and other Amnesty staff will tour detention centres throughout Australia to assess conditions and share the stories of those living in limbo.
Marketing Campaign - In conjunction with a marketing agency we will develop a public advertising campaign, asking non traditional audiences to think again about the boats and asylum seekers.
Events - Over the last few months there have been some amazing refugee events, if action groups have planned upcoming events please advise us if you need materials, would like to borrow the photographs we have of asylum seekers or need any other resources. The refugee Network events are still continueing!

Remeber... the final date to get your signed petitions in is the end of this week - Friday 1st of October. Please mail petitions to the NSW Action Centre addressed to Ruby Johnson

For any questions please do not hesitate to ask Ruby on ruby.johnson@amensty.org.au

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