Saying ‘no’ to divisive electioneering

A WARM welcome for refugees and asylum seekers starts with a hashtag.
Dandenong-based Friends of Refugees is launching #IAMWITHYOU to coincide with World Refugee Day on 20 June.
It aims to recruit the Australians willing to say “no” to government policy-makers “intent on dividing society over this issue in order to win elections”.
“The latest attack upon asylum-seekers and refugees by the Immigration Minister explains why we need to band together and show him Australians do not condone this callous attitude to vulnerable people,” a Friends of Refugees spokesperson said.
“Australia is a tolerant, humane country that has welcomed refugees in their thousands – and cherished their massive contribution to society – since World War II.
“Yet we are constantly hearing otherwise from our policy-makers.
“They sow fear and division, especially at election time, in the belief it will win votes.
“#IAMWITHYOU is our answer to those who would paint us as intolerant and inhumane and further degrade our international reputation.
“It’s our way of letting the world know we welcome asylum-seekers and refugees to what our national anthem describes as ‘our land of boundless plains’ for those ‘who’ve come across the sea’.”
Friends of Refugees runs programs for refugees and provides material aid for new arrivals.
Visit www.iamwithyou.org.au to support the campaign.