ADD YOUR VOICE

By the end of 2025, we will raise refugee and humanitarian intake numbers, increase community resettlement, secure the release of those incarcerated on- and off-shore and build safe pathways for refugees into Australia. We’ll improve human rights across the Asia-Pacific region and the outcomes of impacted communities.

There are approximately 80 million people displaced around the world today. 

The Australian Government is turning its back on the world's refugees, reducing its ‘ceiling’ to 13,750 places for the Refugee and Humanitarian Program. This is the lowest level in decades. This ceiling, which is a cap rather than a target, will be locked in until at least 2024-25. 

In contrast, countries such as the United States are now committing to resettling 125,000 refugees by the end of the next financial year.

Australia must commit to increasing the humanitarian refugee intake to 20,000 immediately and to at least 30,000 places annually within three years in line with global needs and Australia’s capacity. 

Australia must also ensure that the places allocated under the Community Sponsorship Program for Refugees are in addition to the annual humanitarian intake. Starting at 1,000 places, the program should at least allow the community sponsorship of 10,000 refugees annually over five years.

We are working in coalition with our allies to build an Australia that responds compassionately and upholds the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Join us in calling on the Minister of Foreign Affairs for this. 

 


 
For 60 years, Amnesty has been shining a light in the darkness to prevent abuses, ensure accountability and improve lives. As a 10 million strong movement of everyday people joining together to challenge injustice and defend human rights, our voices are powerful enough to create change. Together we are unstoppable. 

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Sign the Petition

  Our Petition
 
 
The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Ministers Burke and Thistlethwaite,

The previous Australian Government set the annual intake of refugees through the Refugee and Humanitarian Program at one of its lowest levels in 45 years, at just 13,750 places.

This is despite the need for resettlement never being greater, with approximately 100 million people currently displaced around the world.

Countries such as the United States are raising their intake of refugees in order to meet this urgent need. Australia must do the same.

I call on you to commit to increasing the Refugee and Humanitarian Program to at least 40,000 places, prioritising people selected by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. This should include 10,000 private sponsorship places, so members of the community can contribute to Australia’s humanitarian response.

I call on you to keep your promise to ensure places made available through the Community Sponsorship Program are additional to the annual humanitarian intake.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]