SOCIAL JUSTICE
SNAPSHOT MIGRANTSAND
REFUGEES By Dr Andy Marks andy.marks@vinnies.org.au
1 July 2009
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Finding a sense of self and place in the wake of trauma and dislocation
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ersonal opinions on the myths and facts surrounding migrants and refugees vary. One thing, however, is undeniable: refugees are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups in the community. This is why, in accordance with its mission, the St Vincent de Paul Society is committed to standing alongside these people who have suffered exclusion and adversity. Last year 4,750 people applied for asylum in Australia, less than 4 per cent of them arrived here by boat. These are the facts, yet the legend still prevails that our shores are being swamped by growing hoards of so-called “illegal arrivals”. According to official immigration records, the greatest proportion of illegal immigrants in Australia are U.K. travellers who have overstayed their visas.
“Many children and young people from refugee backgrounds have witnessed horrific events and in some regimes have been the specific targets of torture.” Wild exaggerations abound in some sections of the media, provoking prejudice and mistrust towards migrants and refugees among some in the community. In contrast to these mistruths, many incredibly alarming, yet soundly proven facts are simply not reported at all.
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Research has confirmed that “up to one in three people with refugee backgrounds world-wide have been subject to physical torture”. As if this was not traumatic enough, exposure to physical or psychological violence is not confined to adults. “Many children and young people from refugee backgrounds have witnessed horrific events and in some regimes have been the specific targets of torture.” The Society has a long history of helping migrants and refugees. Catholic social teaching places a special onus on the St Vincent de Paul Society to help those who seek asylum, having fled war, persecution, injustice or intolerance. This is a responsibility the Society takes very seriously. The Society’s service of migrants and refugees is extensive and progressive. In many areas of NSW, the level of expertise and resources the Society dedicates to this aspect of its good works has seen it recognised as a leading edge provider by migrant and refugee communities, comparable social service agencies, researchers and government. In the Wagga Wagga Diocese the St Vincent de Paul Society has been designated as the lead provider in a consortium that delivers the Federal Government’s Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy. This program provides initial, intensive settlement support to newly arrived refugees. In Coffs Harbour, the Society operates a government funded Refugee Support Service, providing settlement services to the region’s newly arrived humanitarian entrants. Much of the success the St Vincent de Paul Society has had in assisting migrant and refugees settlement has arisen from the right mix of structured, traditional modes of service delivery and local know-how.
“Catholic social teaching places a special onus on the St Vincent de Paul Society to help those who seek asylum, having fled war, persecution, injustice or intolerance.” The innovative range of services provided by the Society in various regions throughout NSW includes: driving tuition, educational support, short-term accommodation, detention centre visitation and sporting programs. The SPARK program (St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids) is another example of the Society drawing on its community links to provide refugee children and their families with self-sustaining support through schools.
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In recognition of its exceptional work in support of so many newly arrived migrants and refugees, the Society’s State Council Migrant and Refugee Team recently secured additional funding support from Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The government’s decision to offer this level of support shows very clearly that SPARK is identified as a best practise program in the sector. The Department also gave approval for the Society to expand and its capacity in Coffs Harbour and establish an Outreach program for the migrant and refugee community throughout Coffs Harbour, the Richmond-Tweed and the Clarence Valley. Again, this confirms the Society is leading the way in support of marginalised communities.
“The emotional trauma and social and economic inequalities the majority of migrants and refugees experience in transition will continue to present challenges.” The core Society vocation of home visitation has also enabled the provision of a level of intensive family and personal support and material assistance unrivalled by other agencies. In addition to supplying newly arrived families and individuals who need assistance with second hand furniture or food assistance, visitation also affords members the opportunity to extend the hand of compassion and social support. This is a critical part of the settlement process. In some cases, where migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are in need of further assistance they are referred to the Society’s Migrant and Refugee Team. Such assistance may include: provision of a fridge or washing machine, employment assistance and other items at the discretion of the visiting member. One of the biggest challenges migrants and refugees face is learning how to find and receive support. In most instances the services they require are available but insufficient promotion of their structure, location and function hampers accessibility. The Migrant and Refugee Team endeavour to stay abreast of services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and wherever possible, facilitate supported and equitable access.
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Understanding the critical role community awareness has in aiding the settlement process, the Society’s Migrant and Refugee Team also assist members to work with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker clients.
“The work the Society does in support of migrant and refugees will no doubt intensify.� The work the Society does in support of migrant and refugees will no doubt intensify as changing world conditions bring different cultures into closer contact. The emotional trauma and social and economic inequalities that the majority of migrants and refugees experience in transition will continue to present challenges. The Society remains committed to following Christ by accepting, without prejudice all people who journey with us with love, compassion and understanding.
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