WE MUST END SHAME OF TREATMENT OF REFUGEES

HOW much longer do we accept Malcolm Turnbull’s “melancholy truth” that the only way to prevent deaths at sea is the systematic punishment and denial of human rights of some as a deterrent to others?

How much longer will we accept the false and demeaning slogans “illegal boat people” and “queue jumpers” used to justify the cruel detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru?

On reading article 31 of the UN Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, we are clearly in breach and yet there is no accountability.

The hypocrisy worsens when we actively try to dissuade NZ from trying to save lives.

The outcome of this is to physically and mentally damage legitimate refugees and in so doing, permanently ruining our international credibility and capacity to speak out on human rights issues. Remember, these people have committed no crime.

The dehumanisation of refugees and asylum seekers has made it easier for us to accept their incarceration in distant prisons, shrouded in secrecy.

Being out of sight, out of mind, allows us to accept the brutality and injustice perpetrated in our name.

Well done to the many in our region who have assisted asylum seekers and refugees, many of whom continue to live, work and go to our schools.

I encourage people to get active re the shame of our nation in its treatment of asylum seekers and refugees on Manus and Nauru. Brian Crook, Colac