High school students call for compassion for asylum seekers

Young person involved in the campaign

Young person involved in the campaign

Media Release, 9 July 2013

Australian Young Christian Students (AYCS), part of the End Child Detention Coalition, has called for all sides of politics to give special consideration to children who are currently detained in Australia’s immigration system.

Annie Purbrick, 16 year old spokesperson for AYCS welcomed Immigration Minister Tony Burke moving the last 12 child asylum seekers off Manus Island, but explained there is a great deal of work still to be done.

“Children are a particularly vulnerable group and should not be subject to Australia’s harsh treatment of children who have turned to us for help,” said Ms. Purbrick.

“It remains vital for their health and wellbeing that asylum seeker children and their families be processed here in Australia without being subjected to extended periods of detention.

“The best interests of the child also need to be considered in light of any regional proposals.

“A recent report by Human Rights Watch reveals accompanied and unaccompanied children are arbitrarily detained in Indonesia and subject to abusive conditions.

“It is important to remember that neither Indonesia nor Malaysia have signed the Refugee Convention. This means that asylum seeker children in these countries live without the stability and security that all kids deserve.”

The End Child Detention Coalition has come together to advocate for the rights of young asylum seekers. The Coalition believes that every child should be treated in full accordance with international law regarding child rights. Recently over 8,000 high school students around Australia volunteered to take a voluntary ‘Detention 4 Detention’ to stand in solidarity with children in immigration detention.

The End Child Detention campaign needs your support to raise awareness of the appalling treatment of children seeking asylum in Australia. For more information on how your school can get involved please visit http://endchilddetentionoz.com

For information or media enquiries please contact the following representatives:

For background information – Sophie Peer 0412 575 012

For comment: Annie Purbrick, Campaign Spokesperson for AYCS (Year 11 student) 0433161020 or Dominique Toop AYCS Chairperson (Year 12 student) 0431975702.