St Vincent de Paul Society rejects Pacific Solution rehash

Tuesday 14 August 2012

THE St Vincent de Paul Society has expressed sadness today over the key recommendations of the government commissioned refugee expert panel, released in The Houston Report.

National Council Chief Executive of the St Vincent de Paul Society Dr John Falzon said, “We reject the rehash of the Pacific Solution. Offshore processing is not the answer. Neither is the punitive treatment of asylum seekers and their families. It is time for Australia to accept its international obligations and to respect the human rights and human dignity of the people who seek asylum in our country. We welcome the recommended increase in our humanitarian intake."

“The St Vincent de Paul Society supports an approach that not only adheres to our human rights obligations but also sets a high standard in the exercise of compassion and human solidarity,” he said.