by Tom Coburg A video preview of a new Levellers single reminds us all of the perils faced by millions of refugees. And of our responsibility to assist them. It also coincides with news that Australia is reportedly attempting to permanently separate the families of refugees, held illegally.

The single, “The Shame”, includes the lyrics:

Did you sleep well in bed, safe, warm and cosy. Do you hope someone finds a solution overnight?… Ah, you’d like to help, but sadly you haven’t the time.

An example of Australian racism from Nauru

Computer engineer Arash Shirmohamadi is one of several refugees who, reportedly, are subject to this cruel practice by Australia. In 2013, after fleeing persecution in Iran because of his Baha’i faith, he was forced by Australia to go to the tiny Pacific island of Nauru. Since then he has attempted suicide, and suffers seizures and paralysis.

In March 2016, he married a Somalian refugee woman, also detained on Nauru. She became pregnant and was later flown to Australia to receive medical treatment, after complications arose; though her husband was forbidden to join her.

Four days after his daughter was born, an Australian Border Force official emailed Shirmohamadi a form to sever his parental rights to his child. The form said: “I hereby agree to relinquish custody of my minor child… I understand that by signing this agreement the non-custodial parent will not automatically be able to seek reunification with my child and that this may mean permanent separation”.

Catch 22

Officials told Shirmohamadi he could apply to the US for resettlement, but that his wife and daughter would not be allowed to join him. However if his family decided to return to Nauru, there would be no guarantee they or he could be resettled.

In any case, Shirmohamadi’s wife was told by doctors not to return to Nauru because of medical issues.

Denials/accusations

Border Protection denies encouraging refugee families to separate. However, a recorded conversation of a Border Force employee with Shirmohamadi appears to contradict this assertion:

And The Guardian claims that immigration staff have confirmed that family separation is deliberately applied.

Unicef Australia director Amy Lamoin commented:

Placing people in a position where they have to make an impossible decision – one that may have lifelong ramifications – to choose between their families and an option to live in a safe country with a feasible future is unacceptable.

Condemnation

Australia’s offshore detention centres have been the subject of criticism in reports by: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Committee Against Torture [pdf], the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture [doc], the Australian Human Rights Commission,, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

Many refugees on Nauru have been in detention for four years or more. And an Australian leading barrister agrees that they have every legal right to travel or be rescued by a safe, third-party country.

But the same can also be said for all refugees who flee oppression or war. According to UNHCR figures, there are more than 65 million forcibly displaced persons and 22 million refugees worldwide. And the vast majority of them are not getting the support and help they so desperately need and deserve

It’s a shame….. Get Involved!

– See three examples of the many incidents of refugee abuse listed in The Guardian’s ‘Nauru Files’ here, here, and here. Featured image supplied via screenshot