A Well Founded Fear Of Persecution
Refugees find further suffering within Australia
Australia did have a reputation for being a soft target for asylum seekers. But here we see individuals segregated, bound and gagged, isolated, abused and even tortured. The Australian government claims to treat those refugees who co-operate with dignity. The refugees tell a different story.
"Keep them out of sight, keep them out of mind, process them as quickly as possible, don't tell them their rights, lock them up and get rid of them as quickly as we can", comments Chris Sidoti, Human Rights Commissioner, on Australia's asylum policy. Three Algerian men who tried to protest at their treatment by going on hunger strike were finally taken to hospital weighing 47kg each. The Australian government decided to wash their hands of them by forcefully sedating them and sending them "home", via South Africa, where they still remain. With Western governments increasingly reluctant to come to their help, who is left for these refugees to turn to?
Produced by ABC Australia
FULL SYNOPSIS