A boat of asylum seekers which arrived at Christmas Island early this morning (Friday 20 November) has been towed back to sea by the navy.
The small boat which arrived unescorted at Christmas Island this morning had earlier been covered by a tarpaulin to prevent any contact between the asylum seekers and people on the shore.
The boat has now been towed out to sea by the navy.
“We are extremely concerned that the navy is attempting to turn this boat back to Indonesia,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “Australian officials may well be, once again, trying to bribe the crew to return to Indonesia.
“Turning boats back and bribing the crew both constitute international crimes and violate the rights of asylum seekers.
“We know many boats are still attempting to reach Australia to gain the protection they cannot get in Indonesia. These asylum seekers may well be fleeing the same dangers as the 12,000 Syrians Australia says it will accept.
“But the Coalition government has banned the resettlement of any UNHCR refugees from Indonesia. The government’s policy means they have no alternative but to try to reach protection by boat.
“We are calling on the government to allow this boat to land and to process their claims in Australia. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is in Darwin today, ideally placed to prevent more human rights abuses of these asylum seekers.”
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
