An International Human Rights Day protest was held in Crown Street Mall at lunch time on Saturday in support of refugees on Manus and Nauru.
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The Refugee Action Collective Illawarra (RAC Illawarra) is remaining active with regular events to raise awareness because it believes the crisis on Manus Island is far from over.
RAC Illawarra spokesperson Stephen Spencer said there were still over 400 men who remain on Manus with limited access to medical care in temporary, unfinished accommodation and in danger of harm.
Mr Spencer said RAC Illawarra felt that responsibility lay squarely at the Australian government’s door.
He said RAC Illawarra also felt the Australian government was now also destroying families on Nauru.
“It is encouraging genuine refugees held there to sever ties with their families, including relinquishing all rights to ever see their children, in order to be considered for resettlement in the US,” he said.
Ms Spencer described the government’s attitude to refugees as unconscionable.
“They care little for the lives of people fleeing war and persecution. To require families to be split up forever, in order for one member to be granted a safe haven, is cruel and unjust,” Mr Spencer said.
“As caring Australians we totally reject this government's policies. On International Human Rights Day, we call on the government to bring all the asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru here to Australia for protection and family reunion.”
Marg Perrott said the RAC Illawarra was reactivated two years ago to raise more awareness in the Illawarra about the treatment of refugees.
She said the group enjoyed a good turnout last Thursday night when its members held another vigil for the community to attend in the heart of Wollongong in Crown Street Mall during late night shopping.
More rallies and protects are being planned soon so people in the Illawarra can sign a petition.
RAC Illawarra also sells shirts to help fund its human rights campaigning.