After weeks of asking, we have received a response from the Government regarding the Independent Review Process for refugees being held on ASIO Adverse Security Assessment. 

“Commencement of Independent Reviewer of Adverse Security Assessments

3 December 2012

The Hon Margaret Stone has commenced work as the inaugural Independent Reviewer of Adverse Security Assessments, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon announced today. 

“Ms Stone will provide an independent review process for those assessed to be a refugee but not granted a permanent visa as a result of an ASIO adverse security assessment,” Ms Roxon said.

“Refugees in immigration detention who are the subject of an adverse security assessment will have access to this new independent review option.

“I am pleased that Ms Stone can now start this important work.

“Ms Stone is an eminent Australian with experience in legal, immigration and national security matters.

“Ms Stone will examine the materials used by ASIO and will provide a recommendation to the Director-General of Security as well as report these findings to the Attorney-General, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

“There will also be a regular 12 month periodic review of adverse security assessments for refugees in immigration detention.”

Ms Stone will write to people eligible for review shortly, notifying them of their entitlement to seek review, and to provide further information on the application and review processes.“

The press release can be read on the AG website here - 

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Ranjini’s friend Lesley Walker sent us this message yesterday. It makes for tough reading – but it’s a reminder of what we are trying to do.

“I spoke to Ranjini in Villawood Housing yesterday. She is very sad. Again disrespectful treatment from Serco staff adds to her troubles. She addressed these issues a couple of months ago, & there was some improvement, an apology even. But now it is recurring.”They are angry with me, with the boys”. She will not go’ outside’ to activities because Serco guards shadow her & the boys – people think we are terrorists, that we are dangerous. All 3 are stigmatised & humiliated. She also feels sorry about her sons’ poor behaviour which has manifested since they were abruptly taken from their father & family home 7 MONTHS AGO. “They used to be such good boys. Everything is changed”, she said. I remember her little boys at Inverbrackie Detention Centre – they were quiet, polite, respectful … everyone was fond of them. Ranjini worries that this awful confinement-during-confinement is bad for her baby’s health – the baby is due early in 2013. What can I say? I remind her of the many people who know her well – she previously lived freely in QLD & VIC – & that we think of her & the boys daily. She said “You call me. I feel happy now. I think of my friends. It helps me”.”

Thanks everyone for reading these posts – we’re about to increase our efforts and to do that we’ll need your help. We’re starting a  FREEDOM ARMY – click here to find out more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Six weeks ago, Attorney General Nicola Roxon announced a review process for the more than 50 refugees currently detained indefinitely on Adverse Security Assessments. This process was intended to bring transparency to the ASIO security assessment process.

Yet, six weeks later, the Government has not released any information on this process. We have asked DIAC, Minister Bowen and the Attorney General Nicola Roxon for figures on the amount of cases reviewed, and whether any assessments overturned. Minister Bowen confirmed this process was ‘in place’ on October 27.

We urgently seek an update on the independent review process, specifically the amount of cases that have been reviewed to date and whether any adverse assessments were found to have been issued erroneously. The current secrecy around the process will only add further distress to these very vulnerable people, who by virtue of their refugee status are owed protection by Australia.

 

Yesterday, one of Ranjini’s two boys turned 9 years old. 

He spent his birthday inside the Villawood Detention Centre. Despite months of campaigning and outrage from countless Australians, Ranjini and her 2 sons remain in Villawood. Innocent people, detained on a technicality which the High Court has ruled invalid.

Ranjini has sent us this incredible drawing as a gift to her son.

(click to enlarge)

Can you remember your ninth birthday?

 

 

Dear Ranjini,

Today I read your story for the first time. I am so sorry that you are going through this and are caught in an impossible situation. I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and I will be sharing your story with everyone I know and who will listen. I hope that this will be over for you and your family soon. I am a mother of a little boy as well and I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. Be strong Ranjini. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kind Wishes, Jess

UPDATE: The Refugee Action Coalition have posted the contents of a handwritten letter from the asylum seeker to his caseworker – this was written 3 days ago. You can read the full post here

““I am hoping that you can provide the right solution for the mental frustration I and my family members are feeling…. These circumstances have resulted in me not being able to sleep, not able to eat or do any activities. As a brother and as a son, I have been forced to not provide the care I should. Australia has given me a controlled life within a locked area…My brother is not being given proper medication or care. Under the circumstances, if I am able to give my life in order to get him medical care, I will do that in the near future.”

 

Mental health and suicide are troubling subjects for all of us. It’s not for the fact that it has touched so many of our lives, it’s also the way that for something so tragic, it seems to be so preventable.  There are times when a tragedy is completely preventable, and that is what makes the news we received from Villawood this morning so tragic, and even more frustrating. It was three months ago that Hayden Cooper at the ABC first raised the tragic story of mentally ill Pradeep and his brother who were facing indefinite detention on adverse security assessments. Three months ago, we posted the story on our site. For three months we have hoped for a speedy and positive resolution.

“Please, if you can, give us a good life. If you can’t do that, kill us both,” – Pradeep’s Brother, August 6 2012.

This morning we received word that Pradeep’s brother was taken to hospital after attempting to take his own life in the Villawood detention centre. This followed the news that his brother’s mental health had deteriorated substantially, and may no longer be treatable. With 3 months warning about the torturous affect detention was having on this family, the Government has failed to provide them with any certainty about their future. Despite a High Court ruling their detention invalid, the Commonwealth ombudsmen criticising the current regime and countless MP’s expressing their concern – these people still live without certainty. We send our love and support to his family at this horrible time and urge Minister Bowen to act urgently to avoid any further tragedy from behind the razor wire.

More to come….

For advice on mental health and related issues please visit BeyondBlue

It is a cruel and unusual punishment to hold a person captive for an indefinite amount of time with an undisclosed charge. Free the information that you have in regards to Ranjini or free her. It is a sad indictment on Australia that we should treat people in this way who are only seeking safe refuge.

Please free Ranjini.

Kind regards.

I support the rights of Refugees to settle in Australia. We are a rich country compared to many others and can afford to be compassionate. All people deserve the right to live in peace and security. Please allow Ranjini quick passage from (unjust) detention to a life in our community.

David

Hi Ranjini,

Just wanted to send you a message to let you know that our thoughts are with you and on behalf of Australia we are so sorry that you are currently being denied your rights and freedom. We promise that we will work together in the hope that you are returned to your family shortly. I wish you all the health and happiness for your future.

Stay strong! Amanda

Dear Ranjini,

It is difficult to believe the situation in which you and your boys find yourself. From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry that my country thinks the way it is treating you is acceptable for any human being, let alone a recognised refugee. Stay strong – the people of your new country support you and will work towards your release.