Essay About Asylum Seekers

English Communications Study 2

Oral Presentation

Transcript

Introduction

As a part of my English communications study I have chosen to explore the various social and political issues regarding asylum seekers in Australia. Firstly I would like to clarify the term asylum seekers, or as they are more commonly referred to: ‘boat people’.

Definition of an Asylum Seeker: An asylum seeker is any person who has unwillingly fled their country of origin and is unable return due to facing persecution because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion or involvement in a particular social or political group.

I ask you now to imagine such a life. It is impossible for us to imagine having to flee our homes and family simply because our beliefs or lifestyle are not deemed suitable. Furthermore, paying thousands of dollars to travel across treacherous oceans in shabby boats. The fact that asylum seekers are prepared to remain locked up in detention centres and be deprived of their freedom must surely tell us of the horrific circumstances from which they have fled. ******** PUT IN CLOSING PARAGRAPH.

Myths

Secondly, I would like to clarify some of the widely accepted myths regarding asylum seekers in Australia.

1. We Are Being Swamped: Less than 16,000 (15,800) people claim asylum in Australia each year. While this may seem like a lot, Australia receives less than two percent of the total asylum claims made globally.

2. Most Asylum Seekers Arrive by Boat: Recent wars have increased the number of asylum seekers arriving by boat; however, an average of thirteen asylum seekers arrives through Australian airports each day. Asylum seeker transport by air is ninety percent more likely than by boat. Australia is simple not being f...

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...ing Asylum Seekers to War, 2014).

Conclusion

Liberty is a fundamental human right, recognized in major human rights instruments to which Australia is a party. People who are held in detention are particularly vulnerable to violations of their human rights.

Though Australia is perceived as a democratic country whose government is open to public scrutiny, this belief is erroneous. The Australian Government’s apathy towards asylum seekers is neglectful of the fundamental human right to liberty and a sense of safety. Australia will need to overturn these inhumane laws to move forward as a country. If you believe Australia is a country of equality and acceptance then you are deluding yourself.

The detainees are indeed in the dark about their future.

Idiot Opinions with Verse of National Anthem

‘For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share…’