In the media
Detention
A growing COVID-19 outbreak in a Melbourne detention hotel sparked renewed calls for the release of refugees from immigration detention. A court ordered that a man, who became mute after a 2015 suicide attempt in detention, be moved into community detention or transferred to Nauru. An Iraqi man demanded an explanation for his continued detention, nine years after he arrived in Australia.
Afghanistan
As evacuated Afghans started adjusting to Australian life, an Afghan refugee continues to be separated from his wife and children because their boat arrived after the 19 July 2013 asylum policy change. SBS published a feature on Professor Al Muderis’ work to enable disabled Afghan ex-military personnel to walk again.
International
Poland passed legislation authorising asylum seekers to be turned back at the border, raising concerns for those stranded as winter approaches. The UK Government sought to protect their Border Force from liability in the event that any deaths occur while implementing its pushback policy. In the past eight months around 15,000 Chin people (from Myanmar) have sought refuge in India. The UNDP created a trust fund to send money directly to people in need in Afghanistan, bypassing the Taliban. The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy.
In policy
The Home Affairs 2020-21 Annual Report confirmed an increase in self harm in detention, four deaths in detention and four escapes. The full report is available here. Australia announced a long-term offshore processing deal with Nauru and terminated its responsibility for remaining asylum seekers and refugees in PNG. This prompted calls for New Zealand to negotiate directly with PNG on their refugee resettlement offer. October marked 20 years since the SIEV X sunk, killing 353 people.
In research
A resource was published to help teachers to better assist students who have experienced trauma and disrupted education due to a refugee experience.