YouTube is proving a successful tool to reach asylum seekers’ families and friends in Australia to highlight the grim realities and risks in engaging with people smugglers.
The channel, No to People Smuggling, is an important tool in the Australian Government’s efforts to discourage asylum seekers from making the dangerous trip to Australia by boat.
www.youtube.com/user/notopeoplesmuggling
“No to People Smuggling aims to raise awareness and educate communities within Australia about the dangers and uncertainties of using people smugglers,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“No to People Smuggling allows people to watch and hear detailed accounts taken from those who have risked their lives and those of their families to undertake the treacherous journey to Australia.
“The stories detail the grave dangers faced on the open seas in small and often unseaworthy boats, with no guarantee of reaching Australia or being granted asylum,” the spokesman said. “Communities in Australia can share these stories with friends and relatives overseas at risk of engaging with people smugglers.”
The tragic and unnecessary loss of five lives at sea on an Australian-bound vessel in May this year was a grim reminder of the realities of making the dangerous trip to Australia at the hands of people smugglers.
The government has suspended processing Sri Lankan claims for three months and claims from Afghan asylum seekers for six months.
The changing circumstances in these countries means it is likely that more asylum claims from these countries will be refused.
There are safe and lawful visa options for people wanting to resettle in Australia, including sponsorship by relatives already here. Those who pursue a lawful settlement option are following the right path and not needlessly risking their lives.
“Asylum seekers will only be granted the right to live in Australia if they are genuinely in need of protection – seeking a better life and more opportunities is not grounds to be granted asylum.”
This is DIAC’s second foray into using YouTube to communicate with its stakeholders, after the success of its ImmiTV channel (www.youtube.com/ImmiTV) launched two years ago.
Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244
No to People Smuggling: www.youtube.com/notopeoplesmuggling
Source:http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/814
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