In light of the recent persecution overseas and now recent incidents on Australian territory, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the human rights of all people, backgrounds, religions, and beliefs. These threats serve as a grim reminder that, for many individuals, safety is not guaranteed in their own communities, leading to division.
The definition of a refugee is someone who: "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it"
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
This definition highlights the grave reality that for some, fear and violence are an everyday experience. It is a stark reminder that no one should ever feel unsafe in their community, and that people of all backgrounds are entitled to live without the threat of violence or persecution. Every person deserves to feel secure, and it is incumbent upon us to condemn violence in all its forms and to offer protection and support to those who need it most.
O'Sullivan and Ruffilli stands for support of a world where safety and peace are not privileges, but fundamental rights for every individual, whether they reside offshore or onshore. Those who have been persecuted have looked to Australia for refuge and safety which is not only an expectation, but a human right which should be honoured.
Comments