Latest News

Expanded excision law a new low in refugee protection

The international system of asylum would collapse if other countries followed the lead of Australia in passing legislation to expand its excision policy to the entire country. Read more here.

Right to work fundamental for asylum seeker families

Bridging visas issued to asylum seeker families who arrive by boat must include the right to work to ensure vulnerable people are not left destitute. Read more here.

Detention of children no longer a last resort

The Australian Government is walking further away from its commitment to use detention as a last resort for minors by confirming plans to send children to immigration detention facilities in Darwin and Western Australia. Read more here.

People displaced by climate change require new solutions

The crisis responses necessary and available to refugees will not be an answer to future displacement caused by climate change, the Refugee Council of Australia said today. Read more here.

Government urged to release children from Manus Island detention

RCOA has backed a call by Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers member Paris Aristotle for the Australian Government to ur gently review the policy of keeping children in immigration detention on Manus Island. Read our media release here.

Parliament urged to support Bill to resolve indefinite detention

RCOA has encouraged a Senate Committee to support a Bill before the Australian Parliament to provide alternatives to the prolonged and indefinite detention of recognised refugees with adverse ASIO security assessments. Read more here.

Opposition's denial of appeal rights more punishment for asylum seekers

The Australian Opposition's proposal to deny asylum seekers arriving by boat access to an independent review of their refugee claim is further discrimination based on their mode of arrival. Read more here.

2013-14 Intake Submission released

RCOA's submission on the 2013-14 Refugee and Humanitarian Program is now available for download here. The submission focuses on international refugee needs, the recommendations of the Expert Panel on asylum seekers and community processing of asylum seekers.

Regional refugee protection in Asia-Pacific is unfinished business

The Australian Government must step up efforts to improve the inadequate levels of protection faced by refugees and asylum seekers that drive the movement of dangerous boat journeys from Asia to Australia. Read more here.

'I am grateful to Australia for having allowed me to do what I love.'

Actor Henri Szeps was born in a Swiss refugee camp after his parents fled Poland in the shadow of the looming German invasion.

Read more about: Henri's story

Refugee Week events calendar: Australian Capital Territory

World Refugee Day 9th Soccer Tournament
Sunday 16 June, Cook
Teams from Football United, Red Cross and Liberian, South Sudanese, Sierra Leonean, Karen, Mon and Hazara communities will play exhibition games. Other events include balloon modelling, jumping castles, junior games and a free barbecue (Halal and vegetarian).
Details: 8.30am-3.00pm; Cook Oval, Templeton Street, Cook. Contact 02 6251 4550 or info@companionhouse.org.au. Details at https://www.companionhouse.org.au/cms/.

Canberra Refugee Support Scholarships
Monday 17 June, Civic
Help celebrate the achievements of refugee students. The scholarships, sponsored by Canberra Refugee Support, recognise meritorious performance. About 35 scholarships will be presented.
Details: 9.00am; Function Room, Theo Notaras Multiculutral Centre, Level 2, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Civic. Contact actrefugee@gmail.com.

World Refugee Day Celebration
Wednesday 19 June, Civic
Entertainment includes special guest speakers and light refreshments. The winners of the 2013 World Refugee Schools Art Contest will also be announced. An exhibition of entries will be on display at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre from June 14 to 28.
Details: 5.30pm-8.00pm; Function Room, Theo Notaras Multiculutral Centre, Level 2, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Civic RSVP by Monday 10 June to 02 6281 9107 or aulcapi@unhcr.org. .

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) Celebration of World Refugee Day 2013
Thursday 20 June, Civic
Listen to refugee experiences, be entertained by multicultural singing and dancing and take a look at the hand-made work of the women involved in the MARSS Arts and Craft Project. ACT Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch MLA is special guest.
Details: 11.00am-12.00pm; Function Room, Theo Notaras Multiculutral Centre, Level 2, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Civic. RSVP by 13 June to (02) 6248 8577 or Sgp3@marss.org.au. Further details at http://marss.org.au/.

Walk Together Canberra
Saturday 22 June, Canberra
Walk Together celebrates diversity and presents a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible - an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media and laws that "if we're all people, we're all equal". A celebration concert will be held at Stage 88 from 2pm.
Details: 1.00pm; Meet at Reconciliation Place, walk across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Details at http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/walktogether.