Boat people from Tampa win asylum
Letter to the Editor - not yet published
Courier Mail
Dear Sir/Madam,
The article, Boatpeople from Tampa win asylum (13 December 2001), contains information that is simply wrong.
No arrangements have been finalised for the resettlement of any people whose claims for asylum are currently being processed on Nauru.
However, it is certain that none of those people will remain on Nauru as the arrangements currently in place were established as a temporary processing facility to allow any claims for asylum to be assessed prior to resettlement or transfer to another country.
The Department has received no formal advice from the UNHCR regarding the status of processing.
There are a number of countries that are signatories to the United Nations Refugee Convention and any of these countries may be approached for resettlement, taking into account factors such as family reunification.
However, it is far too early to suggest the likely outcomes of assessment processes or where any people found to be refugees will be provided with protection.
Stewart Foster
Director, Public Affairs
DIMIA
14 December 2001