Australia's 'No Way' Anti-Asylum Seeker Poster Sparks Outrage
The anti-immigration poster released by the Australian government to ward off people-smugglers has sparked anger and disgust. The poster bearing the message, "No way, you will not make Australia home" will be published in 17 languages. Social media users slammed the anti-immigration poster, with one person reacting that she is ashamed to be an Australian.
According to the Australian Border Deaths Database compiled by Victoria's Monash University, almost 1,500 asylum seekers have died while trying to reach Australia since 2000. The Australian Audit Office said the Immigration and Customs department have spent AU$22.5 million on campaigns to put an end to illegal immigration. People coming from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Sudan have been seeking refuge in Australia between July 2013 and August 2014.
The poster, also spotted in Pakistan in a Dawn report, warns that those who will ride a boat without a visa will be intercepted and "safely removed beyond Australian waters." The ad campaign indicated that the rules apply to all children, families, educated and skilled individuals.
The Australian government warned potential asylum seekers that they can never make Australia their home. The government reminded people to think twice before wasting their money since people-smugglers are "lying."
The poster is part of Australia's Operation Sovereign Borders campaign to prevent people-smugglers from entering the country's borders. The OSB Web site proclaims that Australia is serious in its campaign and is willing to stop people who attempts to enter by boat.
Reports said Australia has strengthened its asylum seeker policy over the years with those reaching Australia being held in Australia-run offshore processing centres on a nearby island. The government has been repeatedly scrutinised for its treatment of asylum seekers. Human rights watchdogs claimed the country has committed human rights violations due to the alleged poor condition of asylum seekers in detention centres.
A federal court has rule that the baby born to an asylum seeker in Australia does not have the right to a refugee visa. The 11-month-old baby, Ferouz Myuddin, was born in Brisbane after his mother was transferred to the hospital from the Nauru detention centre. The judge supported the government's previous ruling that indicated the baby, described as an "unauthorised maritime arrival," is not entitled to have refugee status.