Call for help for asylum seekers in Indonesia
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Australian citizens and community workers are deeply concerned for the welfare of 246 asylum seekers on board the boat at Merak’s shores in Indonesia.
They have been there for 11 weeks now, without access to medical supplies, basic amenities and life jackets. Over 30 children are on board and suffering from ill health including diarrhea. The boat was built to accommodate 50 people, yet there are nearly 250 people on board with access to only one toilet.
On Christmas eve one of the young men, Charles Jacob, died due to extreme illness after being refused treatment by Indonesian authorities and the IOM.
The Australian public, government and media have been aware of the situation of this boat for nearly three months yet nothing has been done to expedite their cases or assist with their situation.
“It’s time for the Australian Government to show compassion to these people, all of whom have genuine claims for asylum,” says Dr Grace McQuilten, CEO and founder of refugee support organisation The Social Studio.
Over 100 of the people on board already have refugee documentation from the UNHCR, while 24 have letter stating they are in the final stages of refugee documentation. The rest are waiting for the UNHCR to meet with them to process their claims.
Ramesh Fernandez of RISE (Refugee Survivors and Ex-Detainees) says, “We ask the Australian government to allow their cases to be processed on Australian soil. We ask them to ensure that medical treatment and supplies are offered to those suffering on the boat.”
Media contacts: Grace McQuilten,
0425647501, gmcquilten@gmail.com
Ramesh Fernandez,
ramesh@riserefugee.org
Online petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/merekasylumseekers
Download Media Release >> merakrefugees_media.pdf
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