UNHCR REGIONAL OFFICE NEWSLETTER No. 1/2010 (Published January 2010) A publication of the Regional Office for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. 3 Lyons Place, Lyons ACT 2606 Tel: +61 (0)2 6260 3411 Fax: +61 (0)2 6260 3477 E-mail: aulca@unhcr.org Web: unhcr.org.au/unhcr.org.nz Editors: Ben Farrell and Alex Donato

1. United Nations www.unhcr.org.au
High Commissioner for Refugees
Regional Office for Australia,
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
and the Pacific
No. 1/2010 Refugee Newsletter
From the
Regional Representative
UNHCR/J.Björgvinsson
As we look back over events in 2009, we However, in October 2009 two events
see a rather mixed report card for refugee sparked a vigorous public debate and the
protection in the region. airing of some extreme views that were
The two principal factors that drive asylum- unhelpful to our efforts to improve cooperation
seekers’ movements towards Australia, New for refugee protection across the region. The
Boat arrivals are increasing in many parts Zealand and the broader Pacific region first event was the interception, in Indonesian
of the world, including the Horn of Africa are conflict and human insecurity in their waters, of a vessel carrying 255 Sri Lankan
where 74,000 people crossed the Gulf of countries and regions of origin and the lack nationals. The second was a rescue at sea,
Aden to Yemen in 2009. of any credible opportunities for people to by the Australian Customs Vessel Oceanic
find asylum and solutions en route to this Viking, of a group of 78 people also from
region. It is no accident that the largest Sri Lanka. At the time of writing, UNHCR is
numbers of people coming by boat to working hard to find resettlement solutions
Australia are nationals of Afghanistan, Sri for all those formerly aboard the Oceanic
Contents
Lanka and Iraq and who are for the most Viking. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation
1 From the Regional Representative
3 2009 legal & protection part – and contrary to speculation that most for those on board the much larger vessel in
roundup of these people are economic migrants – Merak Harbour in Indonesia remains of great
4 World Food Day and Rural refugees in need of international protection. concern to UNHCR.
Women’s Day The number of people seeking asylum Leaving to one side the often polemic and
5 Refugee protection – arriving by both air and sea – in Australia unfocused public debate about who bears
the focus of Fiji workshop between January and October 2009 was responsibility for these particular events and
6 Senior Executives take lead 4,835, an increase on the 3,884 who sought how they are to be solved, UNHCR believes
7 Preparing to respond to protection over the corresponding period that we need to address the deeper and
disasters in the Pacific Islands in 2008. In New Zealand, where geography underlying challenges posed to states and
8 Pacific Islanders face the reality makes boat arrivals a rather more remote refugees in the region.
of climate change prospect, asylum claims rose from 212 to a In particular, as we look towards 2010 and
9 Settlement services still modest 279 over the same period. beyond, we need to find comprehensive and
a vital part of refugee protection
UNHCR has always argued that these more collaborative strategies that:
9 Settlement services in Australia: an
figures need to be seen in a global 1. Address the root causes of forced
overview
perspective, given that there are some 42 displacement in coherent and systematic
11 Breaking down barriers
to employment million forcibly displaced people worldwide. ways. These must engage a whole suite
12 Housing & homelessness Despite the increases in our region, less than of measures ranging from diplomacy and
14 Strategic settlement framework one per cent of the world’s refugees come to enhanced human security to humanitarian
16 Settlement services seek protection in Oceania. and development aid and which, together,
in New Zealand: an overview By contrast, in 2009 some 74,000 people will encourage people to return to their
18 Refugee research crossed from the Horn of Africa to Yemen places and regions of origin as conditions
in New Zealand by boat, while Mediterranean nations such of safety permit;
20 Family reunification in New as Greece, Italy and Spain each receive 2. Involve closer cooperation with transit
Zealand tens of thousands of boat arrivals each year. and asylum States in order to improve
22 Tracking the health & wellbeing of Meanwhile, almost 300 people tragically lost the physical and legal conditions of
refugees in New Zealand
their lives over the past two years while trying asylum – what we call the ‘protection’ or
23 Realities of settlement in the
to reach the United States by boat from the ‘humanitarian’ space. In particular, we need
context of Papua New Guinea
Caribbean and South and Central America. to avoid protracted detention and family
25 Edward Kennedy receives the
2009 Nansen Refugee Award Despite the steady increase in asylum- separations and to provide temporary
26 UNHCR encouraged by seekers trying to find protection in Australia rights that allow human dignity and self-
US$477.5m during the course of the year, the public sufficiency for those most affected;
27 Half of the world’s refugees now debate around refugee issues remained 3. Provide better ways of cooperating
live in cities relatively moderate until October. within a multilateral framework where
28 Mission to Eastern Chad
29 World Refugee Day 2009
30 From the National Association
31 Thanks to our donors
32 UNHCR resources

2. rescue at sea is involved. The events of effect in November. Among the reforms As the leaders of more than 140 states
recent months highlight the difficulties under the Act, UNHCR welcomed the recently converged in Copenhagen, the
of responding alone or bilaterally introduction of a wider protection category voice of affected Pacific Island States,
when a wider system of cooperation that will place on a statutory basis New notably Tuvalu, graphically told the world
and collaboration across the region is Zealand’s obligations under the United that this is a problem faced by the region
essential. Above all, the responses must Nations Convention against Torture and ‘here and now’ and not in the future. To draw
place the humanitarian and protection the United Nations Covenant on Civil and attention to the likely displacement of some
needs of the victims themselves at the Political Rights. The single immigration Pacific Island peoples, UNHCR co-hosted
heart of actions taken; tribunal structure introduced under the a side event at the Pacific Leaders Forum
4. Provide greater support for States through Act will also provide greater administrative Cairns in August. There, we argued that
which people transit to find durable efficiencies provided the level of expertise although mitigation and adaptation might
solutions for refugees (and non-refugees) and independence that currently resides help those most affected, contingency
in their territories. Protracted and in the Refugee Status Appeal Authority is planning for forced displacement – based on
unresolved displacement places a burden maintained. the protection and humanitarian needs of the
on host States and acts as a disincentive In the Pacific, we have made good
victims themselves – needs to be undertaken
for them to provide support. It also progress with our regional capacity-building
without delay.
causes great human suffering to those strategy that is based on UNHCR’s Ten
Land rights lie at the heart of any
affected and drives onward movement Point Plan to manage mixed migration. In
for those desperate enough to seek the displacement and need to be seriously
particular, we are working closely with the
help of unscrupulous people smugglers. addressed if workable solutions are to be
Pacific Immigration Directors Conference
At present, the number of people found.
and International Organisation for Migration
needing protection through resettlement To date, a victim-centred and protection
in the region. We are particularly pleased
globally (747,000) vastly outstrips the focus has been largely absent from much
with the positive response we have received
combined number of places offered by of the discourse on natural disasters. To
from Palau, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and,
the resettlement countries for UNHCR- address this in the region, UNHCR and the
more recently, the Cook Islands following
referred refugees (approximately 76,000). Office of the UN High Commissioner for
a stakeholder awareness workshop in
This imbalance needs to be addressed December. And in October, we had a Human Rights (OHCHR) have agreed to Co-
by larger resettlement intakes and more very productive training session in Fiji for Chair a new Pacific Humanitarian Protection
significant support to those states hosting senior officials in a number of government Cluster (PHPC). We will report further on this
most of the world’s refugees. departments responsible for border control. initiative as it gains momentum.
Clearly, much of the onward movement The presence of the Minister for Defence, Despite the many challenges we face
of asylum-seekers and refugees to the National Security and Immigration, Ratu Epeli to improve refugee protection, UNHCR is
region can be explained by the fact few, Gavidi Ganilau, was most encouraging. always encouraged by the wonderful work
if any, long term solutions are available In Papua New Guinea, we have had some done by service providers and refugee
in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. success in bringing the arterial road to the communities themselves in their search for
Only if conditions of asylum improve in remote East Awin settlement of Papuan self-sufficiency in their new homes. During
these other regions – and more effective refugees but the physical terrain and weather UNHCR’s annual consultations with NGOs
and prompt solutions found – will the are constant adversaries to progress. The and refugees in both Australia and New
downward pressure of onward movement quality of asylum in PNG is mixed and much Zealand in October and November, we
to Australia and New Zealand be eased work remains to be done if PNG is to have a heard again the challenges faced by newly-
and the dangerous and exploitative self-sufficient and credible asylum system in arrived refugees as they look to integrate
practices of people smugglers eliminated. place without the need for UNHCR’s direct through employment, education, housing,
UNHCR is convinced that cooperation involvement. and improved health care. We also heard
between States to combat people The problem of climate change, and the of the painful separation of families and
smuggling, trans-national crime and greater frequency and intensity of natural their struggle for family reunion with loved
tougher border control measures will not, of disasters in the Pacific, is of great concern ones left behind in countries or regions of
themselves, resolve the underlying problems to UNHCR. The Region consists of island origin. These are real issues that we need
of people movement. In our experience, States scattered across a vast geographic to address if the generous resettlement
these activities tend to deflect the problem area and Pacific Islands Countries are programmes of both Australia and New
elsewhere. It is only by addressing the amongst the most vulnerable states in the Zealand are to be even more successful.
humanitarian and human dimension of world to natural disasters. They are highly We hope that the Discussion Paper in
forced people movements in the region that exposed to adverse natural events such as this Newsletter will shed light on some of
effective solutions can be found. tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, tsunami the challenges for refugees in settling into a
Despite the political and public focus on and earthquake. In addition, the region is new country – a task made more difficult by
the debate around boat arrivals, there have characterized by the vast ocean mass,
the prevailing economic conditions in both
been a number of lesser-known and positive small and scattered population numbers on
countries.
developments in other parts of the region. vulnerable small islands and national and
In New Zealand, the long-awaited local response capacity that can be quickly Richard Towle
changes to the Immigration Act came into overwhelmed by forces of nature. Regional Representative
2 Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010

3. roundup
UNHCR’s Regional Office Canberra made non-refoulement obligations under the
numerous submissions and consulted through Parliament in October and
with governments and NGOs in most into the protection visa framework. came into force in November, making
countries in the region as changes to UNHCR submitted comments to significant changes to the refugee
legal and asylum systems were proposed the Senate Legal and Constitutional status determination review process and
and implemented. Committee in September. codifying a complementary protection
Some significant events and change system, among other changes.
are outlined in this roundup. (Citizenship Test Review and Other
Australia Parliament in September, codifying the Review of the Legal Aid System during
Australia signed the United Nations recommendations of the Citizenship October.
Optional Protocol to the Convention Test Review Committee which included
Against Torture in May. an exemption from sitting the test for Papua New Guinea
persons who have a physical or mental
incapacity as a result of having suffered Constitutional Law Reform Commission
second and third reports of its Inquiry into torture or trauma outside Australia.
Immigration Detention in Australia in May and Human Smuggling in Port Moresby
and August respectively. in March, providing a global perspective
Migration’s inquiry into the Migration
of the interaction between the issues
Treatment of People with a Disability.
of trafficking in persons and people
Vulnerable Persons, which aims to ensure smuggling and the international refugee
they are supported during the review & Status Resolution was established
protection system.
process and recognize and respect the to provide independent advice on the
implementation of measures associated
inherent dignity of vulnerable persons. Pacific Island Countries
with the government’s immigration policy
to the ‘45-day rule’, which had operated initiatives, including New Directions in
Detention and the national rollout of the technical advice to the Government of
to restrict work rights and healthcare
Community Status Resolution Service. Samoa in respect of its draft Refugee
access for asylum-seekers.
The Council, which succeeds the
Immigration Detention Advisory Group, establish the process by which refugee
first met in October. status may be determined in Samoa to
regulator of the migration advice give effect to its obligations under the
profession, a role previously undertaken New Zealand
by the Migration Institute of Australia. The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act Protocol.
2007 entered into force in May, requiring
anyone providing immigration advice to
seeks to implement the Government’s be licensed, with the intention to protect
New Directions in Detention policy, was migrants (including asylum-seekers and
UNHCR submitted comments to the Legal unethical behaviour of unscrupulous
and Constitutional Committee in August. immigration advisers. notwithstanding the prior possession
of nationality to another country, and
released the Plan of Action to Prevent measures to prevent statelessness.
abolishes the charges imposed on People Trafficking, a cross-government
immigration detainees and waives all strategy to deal with people trafficking provided advice to the Government of
existing debts for current and former in New Zealand. The Plan follows the Vanuatu in respect of its draft Immigration
detainees, passed the Parliament in preparation of a discussion paper by the
September. Interagency Working Group on People status determination process.
Trafficking on the proposed approach,
development and implementation of a For information or copies of UNHCR
was introduced into Parliament in plan of action, and formal submissions by submissions on these issues please visit
September, seeking to bring Australia’s relevant stakeholders. www.unhcr.org.au or email aulca@unhcr.org
Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010 3

4. A traditional welcome to Iowara-East Awin.
Iowara the centre of attention on
World Food Day and Rural Women’s Day
From Walpurga Englbrecht As always, events and activities responsible for the different sectors, as
UNHCR PNG Country Representative in Iowara-East Awin also provide well as representatives from UNHCR and
The refugee settlement of Iowara-East opportunities to highlight the needs of the Diocese of Daru and Kiunga.
Awin became the centre of Western refugees and the wider community to Like any good event in Papua New
Province for two days in October, with the government authorities. Guinea, singing, dancing and delicious
celebration of World Food Day and World Discussions with representatives from food were central parts of the two-day
Rural Women’s Day. district, provincial and national authorities event.
The event provided a unique centred around raising awareness of One final issue of great importance to
opportunity for refugees and the local issues such as violence against women the community was highlighted as the
population to show off a variety of skills and children, child protection and birth visitors drove off down the bumpy dirt
and trades to their many visitors, with registration, law and order, agriculture track between Iowara and Barramandi.
demonstrations of sago and peanut butter and livestock, and business development. Those visitors, like the community,
making, rice milling, traditional weaving, Among the dignitaries present were might have wished that the long-delayed
fish net mending, rubber budding, and the Provincial Administrator, Provincial road repairs had been completed before
flower arranging. Police, District Administrator and officers the event.
4 Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010

5. Refugee protection
the focus of Fiji workshop
Building on Fiji’s long tradition of humane has developed over many years between people fleeing their homes and seeking
treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees UNHCR and the FID. international protection and to make sure
was the focus of a workshop jointly hosted Minister of Defence, National Security people needing protection were able to
by UNHCR and the Fiji Immigration and Immigration, Ratu Epeli Gavidi find it, even in the small Pacific Island
Department (FID) in October. Ganilau, said that, as a signatory to the States of this region.
The two-day workshop looked at 1951 Refugee Convention, Fiji was keen to Fiji is a leader in the Pacific as a
deepening the understanding among play its part in ensuring that those people signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
officials of how to identify and act on who are in need of international refugee and through its adoption of a national
the protection needs of people seeking protection receive it. refugee legislation and refugee status
international protection, and to provide “Despite Fiji’s isolated location in the determination system.
technical advice on the development Pacific, we live in a globalized world where “We encourage it to continue on this
of Fiji’s national refugee determination people are very much on the move”, the positive path”, Towle said.
system. Minister noted. Through this workshop, UNHCR and
UNHCR’s Regional Representative, Mr Towle said the workshop was FID have recommitted themselves to
Richard Towle, thanked the Department an opportunity for UNHCR to offer a working in a cooperative way to build on
for co-hosting the highly successful global perspective and outline the and strengthen the systems by which Fiji
workshop, and said it was evidence of complex factors relating to insecurity upholds its international refugee law and
the strong working relationship which and conflict around the world that lead to humanitarian obligations.
Participants during the workshop on Fiji’s Coral Coast.

6. Senior Executives take lead:
Course on refugee determination
in Solomon Islands
vi. To understand internally displaced training as much as the operational
persons (IDPs): who are they, where are and technical levels. The arming of the
they, why are they of concern, their rights, strategic level with appropriate knowledge
and who is responsible for their protection; and skills on refugee matters leads to a
The course is a step in the implementation more principled, consistent leadership
From Barnabas Anga of the work programme agreed to in and management of the RSD framework.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of February 2009. Importantly it also enables Solomon Islands
Commerce, Industry, Labour & Capacity building on refugee protection to make lawful decisions at the border.
Immigration in the Solomon Islands as with other Pacific Much of the focus at the political level
Solomon Islands has signed five of Islands countries essentially includes is influenced by the strategic level advice.
the eleven international human rights as a starting point the strengthening of Training of the strategic level on refugee
conventions. One of these, the 1951 the decision-making process on refugee matters is in the best interests of Solomon
Convention on the Status of Refugees protection as a central part of immigration Islands as a State Party to the Refugee
(Refugee Convention) was adopted by functions. For the purpose of refugee Convention.
succession on 25 February 1995 and determination the decision-making process It was on the above premise that UNHCR
followed by the signing of the 1967 Protocol is divided into four levels, namely: Political developed and conducted the course
on the Status of Refugees on 12 April 1995. (Minister/Cabinet); Strategic (Permanent for senior executives in Solomon Islands.
In February 2009 UNHCR and the Secretary); Operational (Director of Participants included: the Permanent
Government of Solomon Islands (GSI) Immigration); and Technical (Immigration Secretary and Under Secretary (Technical)
through its Ministry of Commerce, Processing Officers). responsible for Immigration, Director and
Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) As the levels are mutually linked, the Deputy Director of Immigration, Principal
co-facilitated a refugee stakeholder level of understanding on refugee matters Legal Officers from the offices of the
awareness workshop in Honiara. at one level determines largely the shape Attorney General and the Director of Public
of the decision at the next. Existence of Prosecution, and senior officers from the
The workshop established basic
knowledge gaps can hold back progress Royal Solomon Islands Police Force – key
understandings of key provisions of the
in implementing the purpose of the persons that the Permanent Secretary, as
Refugee Convention, an essential first
Convention. It can cause the types of the RSD Officer, is likely to consult with.
step for the relevant agencies to progress
actions that delay refugee determination The content of the course, while strictly
towards implementing the humanitarian
decisions or, worse, remove altogether focused on RSD process, also incorporated
purpose of the Convention. The GSI with
the protection of refugees as required persons of concern that exist or have the
its stakeholders put together a process
under the Refugee Convention. Further, likelihood of existing in Solomon Islands in
to guide its work in the development of a
ignorance of the necessary elements of the view of the islands’ vulnerabilities. In this
legal framework for refugee protection.
Convention’s protection regime can lead respect protection of internally displaced
On 20 May 2009, through the
to unnecessary discrimination, negative persons and addressing security concerns
continuing cooperation of UNHCR and the
decisions and refoulement. Solomon without undermining refugee protection
MCILI the Senior Executives’ Course on were also covered, two areas of particular
Islands is aware of its obligation to the
refugee protection was held in Honiara. importance to Solomon Islands. Ensuing
various human rights conventions.
The course objectives were: The course focused on the strategic discussions drew out clear separation of
i. To understand refugee status level, where in the structure of MCILI, the refugee protection and security concerns.
determination: its purpose, legal basis Permanent Secretary is likely to be the RSD Clear and deep insights into both areas
and process; Officer. The Permanent Secretary needs to put to rest concerns and stereotypes
ii. To understand what are ‘fair and be well versed with the Convention as well as arising from national security issues in
efficient’ refugee status determination the RSD procedures. An additional important relation to how the Refugee Convention
(RSD) procedures; reason for these is that he/she is the principal was hitherto perceived. While examining
iii. To understand the key elements of the advisor to the political level. Findings and the circumstances surrounding countries
Refugee Convention in determining advice of the operational and technical levels of origin and refugee movement, areas
who is a refugee; are submitted to the Permanent Secretary. like mixed migration and sexual and
iv. To examine complementary forms of The strategic level is the key point in gender-based violence were focused on as
protection; the first part of the refugee determination elements within the key thrust of the course.
v. To understand that international law decision-making process but has An important component of the course
enables States to address their security hitherto not been included in the training was the RSD role play exercise. The
concerns without undermining refugee programme. The important issue though exercise adopted real-life functions and
protection; is that this is a critical level and it needs subjected the participants to on-the-job-
6 Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010

7. situations and on-the-job-requirements, base. There has been no asylum seeker of the Government of Solomon Islands are
issues, considerations and decisions. or refugee in Solomon Islands to date. grateful to UNHCR, and Dr Lesi Korovavala
The role play exercise was indispensable However, the course was held at an in particular, for having related the RSD
as it provided the opportunity to apply opportune time as Solomon Islands was procedures to government and decision-
the knowledge acquired in the earlier putting together its draft refugee policy and making structures in Solomon Islands. Their
sessions and enabled the confirmation of with the legislation to follow. The course was understanding of the relevant processes and
our understanding, confidence in dealing a necessary impetus in Solomon Islands’ having put together and run the course for us
with such situations and crystallised our preparation to provide the humanitarian are appreciated. The issues involved are real;
understanding of the weight of responsibility space to deal with one of the most many are emotive and culturally sensitive. The
in determining life and death situations vulnerable groups of people in the world. manner with which the course was run allowed
for those escaping from persecution and Acquiring the knowledge and skills enabled us to address these issues and venture into
seeking international protection. the participants and eventually Solomon our cultural space while maintaining focus
The knowledge and skills acquired Islands to make alive the Convention and to on the course objectives. As the Permanent
through the course have set the foundation build and own the RSD procedures. Secretary of the line Ministry the confidence
for the senior executives and these will be The Ministry of Commerce Industry, Labour that the Solomon Islands team gained from the
continuously built upon as our knowledge and Immigration and the participants on behalf course is invaluable.
Preparing to respond to
disasters in the Pacific Islands
From UNHCR eCentre Management Organization (NDMO) The workshop featured presentations
and the UN Office for the Coordination from experts from both within and
The Pacific Islands Emergency and Disaster
of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) outside the region, and numerous
Management Workshop in May 2009 in
organized the first-ever Pacific Islands interactive demonstrations and exercises.
Honiara, Solomon Islands was the UNHCR
Emergency and Disaster Management In the end, the participants reported
eCentre’s first training event in Melanesia.
Workshop. The event brought together leaving with a greater understanding of
Humanitarian assistance in the
a total of 36 emergency responders international standards used in dealing
Pacific has proven complex, as the
primarily from the Melanesian nations of with emergencies. Equally important,
region is prone to a range of disasters
Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, they parted with a greater familiarity with
including cyclones, earthquakes,
as well as others from Australia, New
tsunamis, flooding, volcano eruptions colleagues facing similar challenges
Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with the
and landslides. Moreover, the vast Pacific in neighboring countries, and new
goal of raising standards and sharing best
Ocean mass and the presence of small approaches that can be applied to
practices in responding to humanitarian
and scattered populations on vulnerable respond more efficiently and effectively
emergencies.
and remote small islands create daunting when the next crisis occurs.
The workshop was designed to improve
logistical challenges for responders. The Pacific Islands Emergency and
response to emergencies by exploring
Large natural events can quickly problems, standards and best practices Disaster Management Workshop was
overwhelm local and national capacities in key areas of emergency and disaster organized by the UNHCR eCentre
and resources, and even comparatively management. Areas explored in detail in cooperation with the Solomon
small-scale of disasters can have huge included protection of the rights of Islands National Disaster Management
impacts on the affected people and affected people, emergency assessment, Organization (NDMO) and UNOCHA.
countries. food and nutrition, emergency shelter, Further support was provided by partners
To confront these challenges, the logistics, water and sanitation, RedR Australia, RedR New Zealand,
UNHCR eCentre, in conjunction with coordination in emergencies and coping InterWorks L.L.C., and the UNHCR
the Solomon Islands National Disaster with the effects of global climate change. Representation in Canberra, Australia.
Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010 7

8. Pacific Islanders face the reality
of climate change
The Carteret Islands of Papua New Guinea residents about the relocation process. On Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, for
are a three-hour boat ride from the much “While appreciating the assistance from example, an innovative coral gardening
larger, and higher, island of Bougainville. Bougainville, many residents say they project is under way to help reduce
But for the 2,500 islanders, who have lived are worried about losing their culture coastal erosion and sand loss, which are
a carefree life of fishing and small-scale and traditions and are uncertain as to considered to be major impacts of sea
agriculture, the reality of a changing climate how they will be received by the host level rise. The project is a joint initiative
means plans are now under way to make community,” Loughry reports. of the local community, a national NGO
the trip to Bougainville a permanent one. Such dilemmas highlight the difficult and a holiday resort and is an example of
On the Carterets, like elsewhere in choices faced by island communities under how adaptation strategies can protect the
the Pacific, a number of complex and threat from rising seas, with relocation often environment and the economy.
interrelated factors – environmental, Meanwhile, Kiribati is looking towards
seen as the option of last resort.
climatic, geological and demographic the development of skilled migration
Although people displaced by climate
– are at play, and these are creating programmes that may be able to
change and environmental degradation
uncertainty about the ability of people to reduce overcrowding in the short term,
are not classified as refugees under the
remain in their traditional homelands. while developing skills and building up
1951 Refugee Convention, UNHCR’s
UNHCR Regional Representative in the communities abroad should larger-scale
experience has shown that they are
Pacific Richard Towle says the protection resettlement be required in the future.
clearly people who face great challenges
of people affected by these factors must And to help prepare for the possibility
be part of a broader, human rights- and whose rights and protection needs
of a rise in the frequency of natural
focused response to human security and have to be addressed.
disasters, UNHCR has joined with other
ensure social and economic development Indeed, many communities reject the agencies to form a Pacific Humanitarian
for all people in the region. “climate refugee” label saying it gives a Protection Group to help map and analyse
“Most of all, finding solutions to these false sense of hopelessness, preferring the protection needs of people who face
challenges means listening, consulting, to focus on adaptation and mitigation risks from the elements.
and responding to the specific needs of strategies to help them stay in their These examples show the combination
affected populations – whether they be homes. “Many people from Pacific Island of approaches – disaster preparedness,
coping mechanisms and adaptation or countries have told us their preference is mitigation and adaptation, and possible
eventual relocation,” Towle says. firstly to try to mitigate the worst effects relocation – that will be needed to assist
For the Carterets, coastal erosion, of rising sea levels such as depletion of people facing climate and environmental
destruction of sea walls and inundation fresh-water supplies, flooding, disease, challenges in the region. For the Carteret
by salt water means that most of the small and loss of traditional food sources, Islanders, relocation appears to be the
gardens of swamp taro and vegetables livelihoods and housing,” Towle says. only choice left.
upon which families depend for food
are no longer fertile. Emergency food
A sea wall made of wire and clam shells can’t hold back the rising tide on the Carteret Islands.
supplies are running low, and relocation ©JRS/M.Loughry
increasingly looks like the only option.
After several unsuccessful attempts
to move the islanders over the past few
years, the authorities have identified a
plantation on Bougainville as a future
resettlement site and anticipate bringing
families from the Carterets and other
threatened atolls this year.
The Papua New Guinea government
is also planning continuing services
for families and individuals who remain
on the atolls and is putting in place a
contingency plan in anticipation of future
severe climate events.
Sister Maryanne Loughry, from the
Jesuit Refugee Services Australia, was
on the Carterets late last year to talk to
8 Refugee Newsletter No. 1/2010

9. United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees
Regional Office for Australia,
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
and the Pacific
No. 1/2010 Discussion Paper
Settlement services
a vital part of refugee protection
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, with the generous
showing the various countries of origin of
the students.
UNHCR RO Canberra
Settlement services in Australia: an overview
From the Settlement Council
of Australia around settlement issues for refugees
of Australia (SCOA) received a grant
conference for over 180 delegates from
from the Department of Immigration and
Citizenship, in recognition of its role as the
the Department of Immigration and
settlement service providers in order to
map settlement service provision, and to
consult on the future role and direction of
Feedback from the First
the National Council of Migrant Resource
and Settlement Agencies (NCMRSA),
National Settlement
the Refugee Council of Australia, the Conference
of settlement service providers. The first national settlement conference
In the short time since receiving Councils and the National Multicultural
funding, SCOA has achieved a
Building a Future for Social Inclusion”. The
milestones include:

10. services involves far more than
providing information and referral,
organisations and workers across the and other Commonwealth agencies, the and linking clients to other services.
sector and from all corners of Australia, Australian Social Inclusion Board, Australian
whether working as policy makers, Multicultural Advisory Council, Refugee information and referral services
practitioners or researchers was indicative Council of Australia, Refugee Resettlement promotes a “tick box” approach, and
of the very real interest, commitment and Advisory Council, Australian Human Rights also over simplifies the high level of skill
need for the sector to come together, to Commission, and other national peak
share their experiences, practice and casework. More emphasis should
achievements to date. National Women’s Consultative Council. A be placed upon the development of
Over 180 participants registered for copy of the conference report is available “settlement life skills”, based on a client-
the conference to listen to presentations, on SCOA’s website. focused, competency-based approach
participate in good practice workshops, to adult learning, rather than a “tick box”
and most importantly through roundtable Responding to Key approach to information delivery.
discussions, to develop strategies and 3. Flexibility is another key element to the
Settlement Issues
recommendations that will drive the delivery of settlement services across
SCOA has produced a number of Australia. There is no “one size fits all”
national settlement agenda into the future.
papers on key settlement issues, in solution, especially when it comes to
As importantly, the current members of
response to government discussion finding solutions to complex issues such
the SCOA as well as prospective members
papers and consultations on issues as housing and health service provision.
and allied settlement organisations
of importance to SCOA’s member It is important to learn from innovative
confirmed their commitment to support
organisations. These include: approaches to settlement service delivery,
the SCOA’s work as the peak body that
will represent the many and varied efforts and explore ways that these models can
of settlement services through advice to Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian be replicated and/or adapted.
government, research, information sharing Program; 4. With regard to multiculturalism in
and assisting the development of national Australia, we do not believe a minor
standards. Many organisations have the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement makeover on current policy without
already demonstrated their commitment Strategy (IHSS); program development and resource
through application for formal membership. commitment will make much difference.
Through roundtable discussions, for Multicultural Youth Programs Based Indeed it will reinforce some of the
conference delegates identified a on Best Practice Initiatives; disappointment and cynicism that
number of key recommendations. The already has grown in relation to the
recommendations from the conference of consultations by the Australian current government. SCOA is happy
covered the following themes: Multicultural Advisory Council (AMAC). within our limited resources to contribute
Some of the key recommendations to in a continuing way to this process
development; come out of these papers include: of stakeholder engagement in the
1. The need for greater recognition and formulation of policy.
planning; valuing of the specialism and expertise With the momentum gained over the last
upon which effective settlement services few months, SCOA will continue to work to
as the most successful pathway to need to be based. Such expertise is built support the development of the settlement
independence and integration; upon a variety of experiences, including: services sector, and to take forward the
issues which have been identified as
multicultural services; priorities by our members.
settlement services and allied services. To find out more about the Settlement
These recommendations will be prioritised for cultural differences; Council of Australia, or to inquire about
and forwarded to relevant stakeholders in membership, visit our website at www.scoa.
accordance with SCOA’s key areas of work organisations to develop cultural org.au or email SCOA’s Executive Officer,
and resource capabilities, including DIAC competencies; Andrew Cummings at andrew@scoa.org.au.
10 Discussion Paper No. 1/2010

11. Breaking down Barriers
to Employment
From Catherine Scarth absence of an already established ethnic
General Manager, Community community, all shape or exacerbate the
and Policy, AMES standard employment barriers faced by
The challenges facing refugees are never other migrants (RCOA, 2008).
more evident than when they are looking In addition, many refugee job seekers
experience institutional discrimination and
for a job, with workforce participation
racism on arrival (VMCC & VEOHR 2008).
rates significantly lower for newly arrived
Discriminatory practices impact on
refugees and migrants than for many other
employment opportunities for these groups in
Australians.
The Department of Immigration and
underemployment and lack of recognition
Citizenship (DIAC) Longitudinal Survey of
and
Immigrants to Australia (2007) showed that
75% of humanitarian entrants (HE) and
experiences (Brotherhood of St Laurence
refugees were unemployed 4-5 months
after arrival and only 16% were participating
Typically these barriers to employment are behaviours of small and medium enterprises
in the labour force. By 16-17 months after
collapsed to: “lack of English, lack of local
arrival, 43% of HE were still unemployed and work experience and lack of qualifications”. In 2006, the Victorian Employers
only 32% were participating in the labour AMES experience and research show that Chamber of Commerce and Industry
force. This low workforce participation rate the barriers are more specific, subtler within a (VECCI) found that employers with a skill
contributes to significant individual distress number of identified areas, inter-connected, shortage had not considered the possibility
and impacts on social cohesion. and involve a number of affective (or of recruiting a skilled migrant or refugee.
Via Commonwealth Government personal) factors as well as external factors. The VECCI survey indicated that many
settlement programs including the Integrated While in some respects refugees, skilled arrivals are taking up jobs in un-
Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) skilled and unskilled, share similar skilled and semi-skilled occupations such
and the Adult Migrant English Program experiences of engaging with the labour as aged care, sales and taxi driving.
(AMEP), AMES works with recently arrived market to other migrants, their migration Other studies also show these migrants
refugees in Victoria from a wide variety of experience is very different. suffer substantial occupational downward
work backgrounds ranging from skilled Pre- and post-arrival experiences set mobility and loss of occupational status,
professionals and trades people to those them apart. The effects of torture and even many years after arrival (Colic-Peisker
with limited work skills relevant to the & Tilbury, 2007). Many refugees are at risk
Australian labour market. industrialised society after long periods in of becoming an underclass of workers in
Research undertaken in Victoria in 2008 Australia – median incomes for migrants
identified a number of barriers facing domestic responsibilities for family members from Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan, for
refugees attempting to enter the labour who themselves are trying to cope with instance is between $228 and $234 per
market in Australia. These include: week as opposed to $488 for Australian-born
Reproduced with permission from AMES (c)2009.

12. Housing &
homelessness
residents and $431 for the whole Australian vacancies to refugees; particularly through From the Asylum Seeker
population (DIAC 2007). an ILM program that enables them an Resource Centre
AMES experience is that a ‘one size fits opportunity to test a refugee job seeker’s
Housing and homelessness are amongst
all’ approach to employment assistance is capacity before proceeding to a longer-term
the greatest challenges facing asylum
neither appropriate nor adequate for most contract.
refugees. People with complex settlement seekers in Australia. Asylum seekers who
With incentives, such as liaison staff who
needs require settlement support that is speak the first language of the worker and have applied for protection can live for
individualised and integrated with labour assist with work training, employers concerns years in the community without stable
market participation – and as soon after about potential risks are alleviated and a accommodation and without access to
arrival as practicable. good match between business requirements any mainstream housing services.
For example, the AMES Intermediate and individual skills can be achieved. Homelessness is a challenge not
Labour Market (ILM) Program, one of AMES AMES research shows that where there is only for asylum seekers but for many
Transition to Work strategies, enables a good match, work experience may lead to Australian citizens and permanent
refugees to secure their first job in Australia, ongoing employment. residents, with the Australian Bureau
to learn about Australian workplace culture, A recent business roundtable of of Statistics reporting over 105,000
and to gain local work experience in a time- employers participating in such programs homeless people in Australia each night.
limited and real job. Hopefully, this leads to noted that there had been ‘sensational’ Australia wide, there are a number of
permanent employment in the mainstream outcomes for the business and participants not-for-profit support agencies who work
labour market. with ‘performance levels on a par or better with asylum seekers to address their
Through this coordinated program refugee than peers’. basic welfare needs. Collectively, not-
job seekers benefit from: There was agreement that the risk of hiring for-profit services meet the legal, health,
a refugee was not less or greater than hiring social and basic welfare needs of asylum
methods and practical application of this anyone else.
in relation to specific opportunities; seekers, but all of this well-integrated
Promoting the values and unexpected
support comes undone when an asylum
benefits of refugee employment will begin
workplace behaviours and communication seeker has no place to live. For all of
breaking down the perceptions and barriers
in situ and receive constructive feedback these services, access to appropriate
that employers fear when confronted with a
on performance; housing is the missing link.
refugee job seeker.
During the refugee determination
The resulting employment will lower the
placements and securing a job (i.e. the process, people seeking asylum are
hurdles the refugee must jump before feeling
opportunity to demonstrate skills to a arguably the most marginalized of all
they are settling properly into their new home.
prospective employer led to subsequent groups of homeless people. This is due
It will ensure that Australia continues
employment); and largely to the fact that they are denied
to benefit socially and economically from
the contribution of people from refugee access to public housing and Centrelink
and managing the transition into sustained and have no safety net to ensure ongoing
backgrounds.
employment.
income to pay rent. In addition, current
At the same time, AMES has worked to shift References housing policy renders asylum seekers
understanding by employers of the special Brotherhood St Laurence 2008 Social Inclusion:
Economic Imperative Migration Action Issue 1, May 2008 ineligible for many mainstream services
needs and particular benefits that refugee Department of Immigration and Citizenship (2007) New leaving them reliant on the support of
employment can offer. Migrant Outcomes: Results from the Third Longitudinal
Employers need to consider the manner Survey of Immigrants to Australia. AGPS, Canberra charities to avoid homelessness whilst
Constable, J, Wagner R, Childs M, & Natolia A, (2000)
and method of attracting job seekers. Doctors Become Taxidrivers: Recognising Skills – not
awaiting an outcome of their protection
This extends from where jobs are as easy as it sounds, Office of Employment Equity and claim.
Diversity, Premier’s Department of NSW, 2000
advertised through to the types of questions McDonald, B., Gifford, S., Webster, K., Wiseman, J.
asked in interview situations to elicit the and Casey, S., 2008. Refugee Resettlement in Regional Key housing issues faced
and Rural Victoria: Impacts and Policy Issues. Report
appropriateness of the candidate. Upskilling commissioned by Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, by asylum seekers
of managers to mentor employees and the Carlton North.
Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) (2008) Submission The process of seeking asylum is neither
positive contribution that new cultures can to the Australian Government on the 2008-09 Refugee and instantaneous nor a permanent state. It
bring to the workplace are additional benefits Humanitarian Program, February 2008
Val Colic-Peisker and Farida Tilbury (2007) Refugees is transitional and asylum seekers need
delivered through refugee employment and Employment: The Effect of Visible Difference on
transitional housing during this time.
recognised by ILM employer participants. Discrimination. Final Report. Murdoch University, Western
Australia
When approached many employers Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce (VECCI)
are willing to offer work placements and Skills Survey 2006
12 Discussion Paper No. 1/2010

13. Key issues faced by asylum seekers
needing emergency and transitional recently responded to asylum seekers
accommodation include:
Asylum seekers’
agencies for emergency and transitional homelessness needs to
accommodation;
be included in a national
response
adequate emergency and transitional
accommodation response; The impact of
homelessness on
accommodation options;
settlement of on-shore
refugees
accommodation is allocated predominantly
including asylum seekers.
guidelines do not disqualify asylum seekers
from accessing emergency accommodation, ‘The
Road Home’
destitution and uncertainty for a prolonged
accommodation for all in need by 2020
not true.
‘The Road Home’ is a
recurrent funding to assist asylum seekers
“There should be no wrong doors for people
who are homeless when they seek help”.
once being granted permanent residency
Once granted a permanent protection and transitional accommodation.
is not suitable or sustainable for ongoing
tenancy. Currently asylum seekers are
programs.
Discussion Paper No. 1/2010 13

14. Strategic Settlement Framework
Laying stronger foundations
to make us a world leader in settlement sustainable settlement outcomes. By
services. this I mean working with the client to
This year, our Government undertook identify their strengths and providing the
to consult extensively with the sector necessary tools to advance them along
as a basis for forming the new model of their settlement pathway.
settlement services. The public response The Minister and I are looking to set
was inspiring. out a new settlement framework – to
In total we held 17 community provide a continuum from offshore to
and Government consultations and onshore to deliver long term sustainable
11 focus groups with refugees. 460 settlement outcomes. This continuum
individuals representing 210 community covers the broad range of settlement
organisations and more than 80 services delivered by the Department
Government agencies participated and of Immigration and Citizenship
shared their views. Most importantly we including our offshore Australian
met with 195 refugees from 18 different Cultural Orientation (AUSCO), IHSS,
nationalities. the Settlement Grants Program, Adult
As Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary Migrant English Program, Complex Case
for Multicultural Affairs, I meet regularly Support and interpreting services.
with refugee groups – Sudanese, Somali, We must ensure these programs work
Hazara, Sierra Leonean, and Burmese. cooperatively to support our clients
However, it is a different experience to on their pathway to independence.
From the Hon sit and listen to their accounts of going The pathway for clients between these
Laurie Ferguson MP through the services we provide. programs needs to be as seamless as
Parliamentary Secretary for The consultations confirmed that possible.
Multicultural Affairs & Settlement the fundamentals of the Integrated The framework will lay the foundations
Services Humanitarian Settlement Strategy for an integrated service delivery
The promise of protection only begins (IHSS) program (the core services) are network that will support new arrivals to
with a refugee visa. Disembarking at a still relevant and appropriate. In fact rebuild their lives in Australia.
crowded airport, often with no English, these are a front on which we are an At the crucial centre of the new
no understanding of the world you have acknowledged world leader. settlement framework are our clients.
entered, and no idea where you are to However the consultations also We must not lose sight of this and must
be taken, is both a point of desperation revealed gaps and issues around develop programs that are client-
and an act of trust. Leaving everything isolation, lack of youth engagement, centred and achieve real and practical
problems accessing housing, outcomes.
that is familiar would send fear and
employment and training and some It is a matter of working with clients
trepidation through most of us.
weaknesses in cultural orientation. to build their capacity to deal with the
Protection should mean security and
In certain instances clients spoke of many barriers they will face along the
safety; it should also mean a chance
‘tick and flick’ services, feeling as though way, and equally it is about identifying
to build a new life. Refugees have
they were not provided with enough their individual strengths and capacity to
remarkable resilience and a great
tangible assistance or support beyond contribute.
willingness to contribute. Settlement
the first few weeks. As you are all aware, since the last
services are our commitment to provide On a national level, IHSS does a good tender of IHSS services, the complexity
a means – a path – to achieve full job in meeting the immediate needs of the caseload has increased. We
participation and to help them begin of refugees through services such as now receive many entrants who have
their new life. airport pickups, household goods, lived in refugee camps for several
Australia’s refugee program is an health checks, Centrelink and school years and children who may not have
expression of humility and compassion; enrolment. known any other life. Many entrants
it is about a fair go. However, settlement is as much a have no or low literacy in their own
Organisations and dedicated mental and emotional re-alignment as language and no English skills. This is
individuals that form Australia’s it is a physical relocation. We are less a result of no or interrupted education.
settlement sector have worked tirelessly successful when it comes to creating Equally, a significant portion have had
14 Discussion Paper No. 1/2010

15. limited opportunities for employment intensity of support provided. We are almost 70 per cent of the current intake
experience. Many arrive with health exploring options for innovative housing being under 30 years of age (and this
needs and have experienced torture and solutions – including group housing trend likely to continue), we need to
trauma. and other community housing models. ensure the needs of young people are
For select clients, initial group housing not forgotten.
So what does the future allows for services to be concentrated To that end there will be a stronger
hold for settlement and structured around their needs. focus on youth – with greater
Vulnerable clients will benefit from
support? increased contact time, intensive case
consideration of the individual needs
of our young refugees. The program
The first step in building a management, comprehensive cultural will provide entrants with more effective
new settlement framework is the orientation, group based learning and
redevelopment of the initial settlement links to other settlement and community
collective support structures. For clients
services model, currently known as the programs and stronger connections
who may face issues of isolation it will
IHSS. with community supports such as ethnic
create opportunities to form friendships
We will provide entrants with greater organisations, and recreation and social
and links which are the basis of a new life.
hands-on support and guidance groups.
However, group housing will not
to navigate Australian systems, to A number of clients reported to me
work in all places or for all clients. For
understand Australian culture and to during consultations that they were
many clients, settling directly into a new
give them every chance to make it in community and locality and connecting not introduced to their local ethnic
Australia. We will be more responsive to to local facilities through hub-style community and only became acquainted
client needs. services will deliver the best settlement by chance meetings with people from
We will strengthen the flexible client- outcomes. their home country in the streets or
centred approach to case management Accommodation should be about a shops. Connections with ethnic and
that we currently have – working directly flexible approach based on the needs of cultural groups soon after arrival can
with clients, tapping into their strengths, the client. often combat feelings of loneliness and
building on them, and developing their Consultations have confirmed our isolation. I see this as an important
capacity in other areas. Emphasis views that structured onshore cultural function of an initial settlement program.
will be placed on tailoring case orientation is lacking under the current We must remember that an initial
management to individual needs. program. Resounding support was settlement program such as IHSS
During a client focus group in Brisbane received from those clients we met can only do so much. In outlining the
one client told us that he had been a bus for the introduction of an onshore new directions, I am not talking about
driver for more than 20 years in his home orientation program that reinforces guaranteeing that on exit from this
country of Burundi. He said he would and builds on the messages delivered program every client will be successfully
love to work as a bus driver but he did through AUSCO. Many clients settled – because realistically speaking
not know how to get a licence or how to commented that AUSCO gave them settlement is a lifelong process.
get Australian workplace experience – some good basic information but they What we are looking at is a program
experience that would mean Australian often found it difficult to contextualise
built around sustainable settlement
bus companies would hire him. This and absorb.
outcomes, strength based case
story too often resonated throughout The purpose of delivering an onshore
management, competency based
the consultations, with clients stuck in a cultural orientation program is to
transitions and client focused service.
vortex of ‘no Australian experience – no equip entrants with information and
We recognise that not all refugees start
Australian jobs’. knowledge to assist them become
from the same point and not all entrants
Along with English proficiency, lawful and participating members of our
and participation in community life, settle at the same pace. To this end, the
community. Such a program will present
employment is a key settlement marker. information about Australian social and new initial settlement program will be
Effective case management is about cultural norms, law and order, finance client-centred, flexible and adaptable.
working with clients to identify their and budgeting, tenancy issues, health
Adaptation of speech delivered 25 September 2009
path to meaningful and appropriate literacy and much more. in Brisbane. The contents of this article is not to be
employment. Emphasis will be on skill development taken as documentation relating to the IHSS request for
tender. Tenders must rely on information in the official
Part of a client-centred approach lies and competency-based learning rather tender documents. Please check AusTender for further
also in the capacity to be flexible in the than time-based service delivery. With information.
Discussion Paper No. 1/2010 15

16. Settlement services
in New Zealand: an overview
From Refugee Services that there is delight in finding the world progress of refugees after ten years of
Aotearoa New Zealand on our doorstep, and many involve settlement, based on indicators of good
themselves in refugee resettlement. More integration. This principle is also implicit
The present strength of the refugee
recently the support of the receiving in a strengthening of the concept of
resettlement programme in New Zealand
community has been further enhanced individualised settlement planning which
has evolved over the last thirty years
by regional responses to involve will be led by Refugee Services, across
and is built on a national structure that
the ‘tangata whenua’, or indigenous major settlement themes and indicators
is unique internationally. All refugees
population, in ceremonies of welcome for of integration.
arrive at the Mangere Refugee Reception
refugee groups on arrival from Mangere Various NGOs and refugee
Centre in Auckland, where they receive
into the permanent settlement location. communities themselves are involved
six weeks of multi-agency assessment,
Refugee support programmes guide in local examples of community
ESOL and orientation support, followed
towards integration, and a high level of development which bear testimony
by placement and case management by
achievement of independent functioning to thriving and developing refugee
a national resettlement NGO, Refugee
is achieved after the first year from those communities – income generation
Services, into six locations across New
who have not been highly traumatised. sewing projects, gardening projects
Zealand.
The numbers of young former refugees to encourage the growth of local
In the next stage of initial settlement
who are emerging from tertiary education produce for economy and health,
in the community, intensive support is
is being tracked by some ethnic swimming projects, soccer teams
provided to each family through Refugee
communities, and numbers of graduates becoming integrated into local soccer
Service’s caseworkers, social workers,
increase every year. clubs, culturally appropriate womens’
cross-cultural workers and volunteers, so
As the refugee sector has become community ESOL classes at which
that sustainable connections are made to their babies are welcome – the list is
more cohesive in recent years, respectful
local communities for housing, schools, relationships have been built between constantly growing, and emerges from
medical care and local services. all players, based on a national engagement between refugee ethnic
New Zealand society has become settlement strategy led by government, groups and local funding.
more culturally diverse in the last decade and developing regional strategies. Specific challenges still need to be
and ethnic and language differences However a national refugee policy is still addressed. In the wake of the global
are no longer such a novelty. This to be developed. This would provide a recession, how do resettlement agencies
has produced a more mature and more robust framework within which to manage their budget costs effectively?
understanding receiving community, develop engagement and partnership One way this is being dealt with is to
which on the whole is positive and between government, NGOs and refugee strengthen partnerships within the sector.
welcoming of refugees. This change communities. Work needs to be done to identify the
has been underpinned by government What has already emerged is a specific costs of various levels of support
policy on diversity, so that integration strengthened information flow with needs, and to ensure that there is a
is encouraged and supported. Local settlement planning across all agencies, match to the provider of services – in
festivals of celebration provide the and communication in post-Mangere health, social support or education.
opportunity for a wider cross section reports to the resettlement agencies, Some direct funding cuts have affected
of New Zealand society to enjoy the including NGOs and government refugee entitlement to study support,
richness of food, dance and story departments. especially the cessation of the Refugee
telling brought by former refugees, The most recent addition to the Study Grants. Refugees are also affected
and give refugees an opportunity to refugee sector has been a national indirectly as a small minority group,
proudly display their culture as part of refugee network developed by former by the impact of policy cuts – cuts in
the increasing ethnic diversity of New refugees themselves – the articulation of community education which reduces
Zealand communities. the refugee voice in advocacy and policy funding for certain refugee specific
The strong culture of support from making. benefits, more pressure on state housing
local communities has been captured A significant research programme from the wider community, and fewer
and formalised in a volunteer programme is being conducted by Immigration employment opportunities.
managed by Refugee Services. New Zealand, the major government Like all resettlement countries, New
Motivation for becoming involved in a department managing the resettlement Zealand experiences limited family
volunteer support group is wide ranging, programme, known as “Ten Years On’. reunion opportunities and this is
but New Zealanders’ love of travel means The research aims to measure the recognised as one the most significant
16 Discussion Paper No. 1/2010

17. stressors for refugees. Although it is one – a telephone link (often to Australia) is consequent difficulty in providing
of the key components to facilitate good is useful, but face to face interpreting interpreting support or a stable emerging
settlement, requests for family reunion of requires capacity development. community.
extended family members far outstrips New Zealand has a long history of
In spite of these stresses, New
the mechanisms for applications within responsiveness to UNHCR requests for
Zealand has a well connected refugee
the Refugee Family Support Category, of the acceptance of emergency, vulnerable
sector, committed to finding capacity
300 places per annum. or high needs cases. However this can
Interpreting requirements from result in groups where the numbers solutions and ensuring that the refugee
communities also outstrips the capacity are too small to appoint ethnic staff programme remains well accepted at the
of government agencies to provide them from their own communities, and there heart of our increasingly diverse society.
An early example of refugee resettlement circa 1950s. After years in a German camp, one family prepares to start life afresh in New Zealand.