Despite being on high alert, the UK authorities were not able to stop the deadly terrorist attack in London yesterday. This event should have a great impact on how our authorities deal with local radicalisation.
In the UK (same as in Australia), the government together with authorities and opposition, acknowledged there was a problem with radicalisation but chose not to take any action against it. Some sections of the media and politicians even used this radicalisation to stir up division and more Islamophobia in our society.
In the last few years, in Australia, there has been no debate on where the source of this sudden “discovered” high radicalisation came from. We saw both the minister and shadow minister of education claim they had no prior knowledge of the high radicalisation in our public (and Islamic) schools. When in fact, myself and many of my friends, knew about this high radicalisation.
We had grave concerns when we witnessed our media, together with our politicians, support terrorism in Syria under the false banner of supporting the “Syrian revolution". It is a fact that every terror attack both in Australia and around the world, has been perpetrated by supporters of the so called Syrian revolution or by terrorists returned after participating in the Syrian revolution.
After all the terrorist attacks on home soil and the heightened alert, still to this day, our authorities have not taken any practical steps towards de-radicalisation. Extreme centres are still allowed to preach hate, mosques managed by extremists remain open, extreme Imams haven’t been deported and funding to extreme organisations is still active.
So far all we have seen from our authorities is the arrest of a few radicals just before they commit terror attacks or immediately after they have committed one. We have seen plenty of rhetoric without any meaningful action.
This lack of actions from our authorities towards radicalisation is due partly to the fact that extremist have become a very powerful lobby in this country. No government, no major party and no politician can take meaningful steps against the source of radicalisation. The radicals have infiltrated our political system, media and education system.
We believe that the only solution is to form a royal commission to reveal who allowed the radicalisation to infiltrate in our system at all levels. A royal commission, with its power to grant immunity and protection for witnesses and experts, will have a better chance to explore and reveal the reality of this sudden-discovered high radicalisation.
A royal commission can:
• Investigate how radicals infiltrated political parties and parachuted their preferred candidates on parties in safe seats.
• Investigate how terrorists were able to easily travel without passports to join the fight in Syria.
• Reveal how the authorities were actively engaging in bullying campaigns to silence anti-extremism campaigners to the point of conspiring with foreign authorities (in my case to ban me from entering Lebanon).
• Reveal how Saudi Arabia and other foreign countries were able to infiltrate our universities, schools, media and political parties.
• Explain how Australia found itself populated by thousands of hardcore radicals who are working very hard to kill our citizens and spread chaos in our beautiful country.
• Investigate how our media, especially state-funded ones, were actively spreading radicalisation by falsely reporting on what was happening in other countries, especially Syria and Libya.
• Explore how government departments are funding extremist organisations with millions of dollars and discover the extent of radicalisation achieved with such funds.
A royal commission will be able to give answers and recommendations.
A royal commission is our only hope to find out what went wrong and how to correct past mistakes. Without assertive de-radicalisation steps, we are dealing with symptoms and not with the real cause.
Without a royal commission and its findings, radicals and their foreign financiers will continue their infiltration of our political system, media and schools.
They will have enough money to build more mosques, centres and schools to continue radicalising our youth.
A royal commission is the only meaningful step to stop the blame game between the minister for education and the shadow minister on what is happening in our public schools.
We will mount a campaign demanding a royal commission to start a meaningful de-radicalisation plan. Such plan is vital not only to prevent terrorist attacks in Australia, but it is also important to start a campaign to restore faith in our authorities and the system.
We need to restore security and social harmony in our community and the only way to achieve this is through a royal commission.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Friday, September 11, 2015
Our comments on the Australian government announcement of policy on Syrian crisis
Following the Australian government announcement of policy on Syrian crisis, we would like to mention:
- Australia has committed itself to a very dangerous mission. The Australian participation in bombing of targets inside Syria could be very dangerous manoeuvre for Australia and the region. The region is already a jungle of foreign armies ready to attack each other. We are aware that thousands of Chinese, Russian and Iranian military enforcement has arrived in Syria and in the Mediterranean off the Syrian coast. Any mistake on Australians’ side of bombing of Syrian military or their allies could inflame the whole region. Australian jets could be met with hostile retaliation from both sides. We all remember the Jordanian pilot who was burned alive when his jet was shot down by terrorists.
- The only guarantee that this could be avoided is by acknowledging the only legitimate force on the ground, the Syrian army, the only force fighting terrorists. Without coordination with the Syrian army, Australian participation in the war is far too dangerous. In addition, the bombings of targets by US and its allies for the last year were ineffective and achieved almost nothing.
- In regard to proposed refugees’ intake of 12000 Syrians, we also would like to voice our deep concerns. We are aware with documents that hundreds (if not thousands) of terrorists had fled Syria and could successfully infiltrate refugees masses to Europe. We are very concerned that some of refugees that will be taken by Australia are terrorists who are following orders to infiltrate Western countries as sleeping cells (few of terrorists caught on camera can be seen on https://www.facebook.com/Omar.George.Ali/videos/874499582634422/ .
- During our visits to Jordan and Lebanon in the last 2 years, we heard horrific stories about what is happening in Syrian refugee’s camps (in Zaatary-Jordan, and refugee’s camps in Irsal-Lebanon). The camps are fertile ground for all kind of extremism/terrorism. The camps are full of sleeping cells of terrorist organisations. Last year, terrorists of Jabhat AL Nusra and ISIS attacked Lebanese army from these camps in Irsal area. The situation in Jordan and Turkey is similar.
- The authorities should be careful in choosing any Syrian refugees. We suggest:
1- Preferences given to refugees who have families in Australia. The families in Australia should be known to be not extremists and do not support extremism and have no criminal record or any trouble with authorities
2- Preferences to be given to well-educated refugees with tertiary education and their criminal background checked.
3- Some kind of intelligence exchange should be established with the Syrian authorities to gather information. It is not necessary for our authorities to take the Syrian government advice. Guidance only.
4- Australian authorities should consult Syrian, Arabic and Muslim organisations in Australia known to be anti-extremists. So far, the authorities and media had consulted known extremist individuals and organisations. There advice would be pro-extremists.
5- Imagine that the terrorist pictured in this Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXhEiZUBBrQ) was brought to Australia by mistake. The evidence we have is that many similar terrorists have already been accepted as refugees in Sweden and Germany.
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
Mob. 0404 447 272
- Australia has committed itself to a very dangerous mission. The Australian participation in bombing of targets inside Syria could be very dangerous manoeuvre for Australia and the region. The region is already a jungle of foreign armies ready to attack each other. We are aware that thousands of Chinese, Russian and Iranian military enforcement has arrived in Syria and in the Mediterranean off the Syrian coast. Any mistake on Australians’ side of bombing of Syrian military or their allies could inflame the whole region. Australian jets could be met with hostile retaliation from both sides. We all remember the Jordanian pilot who was burned alive when his jet was shot down by terrorists.
- The only guarantee that this could be avoided is by acknowledging the only legitimate force on the ground, the Syrian army, the only force fighting terrorists. Without coordination with the Syrian army, Australian participation in the war is far too dangerous. In addition, the bombings of targets by US and its allies for the last year were ineffective and achieved almost nothing.
- In regard to proposed refugees’ intake of 12000 Syrians, we also would like to voice our deep concerns. We are aware with documents that hundreds (if not thousands) of terrorists had fled Syria and could successfully infiltrate refugees masses to Europe. We are very concerned that some of refugees that will be taken by Australia are terrorists who are following orders to infiltrate Western countries as sleeping cells (few of terrorists caught on camera can be seen on https://www.facebook.com/Omar.George.Ali/videos/874499582634422/ .
- During our visits to Jordan and Lebanon in the last 2 years, we heard horrific stories about what is happening in Syrian refugee’s camps (in Zaatary-Jordan, and refugee’s camps in Irsal-Lebanon). The camps are fertile ground for all kind of extremism/terrorism. The camps are full of sleeping cells of terrorist organisations. Last year, terrorists of Jabhat AL Nusra and ISIS attacked Lebanese army from these camps in Irsal area. The situation in Jordan and Turkey is similar.
- The authorities should be careful in choosing any Syrian refugees. We suggest:
1- Preferences given to refugees who have families in Australia. The families in Australia should be known to be not extremists and do not support extremism and have no criminal record or any trouble with authorities
2- Preferences to be given to well-educated refugees with tertiary education and their criminal background checked.
3- Some kind of intelligence exchange should be established with the Syrian authorities to gather information. It is not necessary for our authorities to take the Syrian government advice. Guidance only.
4- Australian authorities should consult Syrian, Arabic and Muslim organisations in Australia known to be anti-extremists. So far, the authorities and media had consulted known extremist individuals and organisations. There advice would be pro-extremists.
5- Imagine that the terrorist pictured in this Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXhEiZUBBrQ) was brought to Australia by mistake. The evidence we have is that many similar terrorists have already been accepted as refugees in Sweden and Germany.
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
Mob. 0404 447 272
Sunday, July 21, 2013
SJN position statement on Rudd’s latest announcement on boat people
Social Justice Network acknowledges the following facts in regard to the current debate on refugees and asylum seekers and the latest Rudd government’s announcement on unauthorized arrivals:
1- Australia does not face any crisis of unauthorized arrivals as the numbers of people arriving unauthorized by boats constitute very tiny numbers if compared to unauthorized arrivals received by Western countries.
2- The issue of boat arrivals was made as big problem when this humanitarian issue was politicized to become issue for political score-pointing to win votes and power.
3- Arriving by boat without any visa is not illegal under Geneva Convention on Refugees Status, if arrivals found to be genuine refugees.
4- Rudd government’s announcement is no more than a cheap election stunt to win back deserted voters but will not achieve any positive outcome, including stopping boats arrivals.
5- The proposed policy change, in addition to being highly inhumane and impractical, is highly likely to fail if tested in Australia’s legal system. It is highly likely that this policy will have the same fate of the “Malaysian Solution”.
6- The prospect of any success in implementing this policy is very grim.
7- The new announcement will further deteriorate Australia’s reputation on respecting human rights.
As for the claim that the policy change came for two main reasons: to save lives from drowning in the ocean and to break the people smugglers module, we can suggest Labor to adopt one of the following two solutions to achieve these targets:
1- Introduce “ Jakarta solution”, where Australia can negotiate to sign regional agreement with Indonesia to establish processing centres in Jakarta operated by Australian authorities in cooperation with UNHCR to receive and process all applications for protection and then resettle genuine refugees in Australia within increased quota (within the proposed 27,000 refugees quota).
2- Adopt European solution for the issue of unauthorized arrival: detain unauthorized people for the shortest period until health and security checks made and then release them to community awaiting decision on applications for protection.
The network notes here that the new policy changes announced by Rudd’s government are not only inhumane and violate Australia’s commitments under international treaties, but also creates high discrimination among asylum seekers based on their unauthorized arrival mode. If unauthorized arrivals happen by plane, the asylum seekers’ applications will be processed as normal. But if the arrivals happen by boats, they will be denied any rights to lodge application.
The SJN believes that the Australians’ vulnerability towards this issue is a direct result of the complete secrecy around the whole issue. If Australians will be told the full facts and the real humanitarian reasons for people to risk their lives on leaky boats, we believe that public opinion on this issue would be changed dramatically.
The SJN supports dealing with this issue as humanitarian issue, not political. If European countries like Britain can cope with more than hundreds of thousands of unauthorized arrivals every year without the need to resort to inhumane policies of mandatory detention of all arrivals and deport them back to third world countries lacking basic needs for their own people, Australia can do the same.
Our PM and his minister for Immigration can consult our neighbouring NZ on how to manage unauthorized arrivals without detention centres or deporting genuine refugees to other countries in a clear violation to international treaties.
For media comments, you can contact Jamal Daoud (network spokesperson) on 0404 447 272
1- Australia does not face any crisis of unauthorized arrivals as the numbers of people arriving unauthorized by boats constitute very tiny numbers if compared to unauthorized arrivals received by Western countries.
2- The issue of boat arrivals was made as big problem when this humanitarian issue was politicized to become issue for political score-pointing to win votes and power.
3- Arriving by boat without any visa is not illegal under Geneva Convention on Refugees Status, if arrivals found to be genuine refugees.
4- Rudd government’s announcement is no more than a cheap election stunt to win back deserted voters but will not achieve any positive outcome, including stopping boats arrivals.
5- The proposed policy change, in addition to being highly inhumane and impractical, is highly likely to fail if tested in Australia’s legal system. It is highly likely that this policy will have the same fate of the “Malaysian Solution”.
6- The prospect of any success in implementing this policy is very grim.
7- The new announcement will further deteriorate Australia’s reputation on respecting human rights.
As for the claim that the policy change came for two main reasons: to save lives from drowning in the ocean and to break the people smugglers module, we can suggest Labor to adopt one of the following two solutions to achieve these targets:
1- Introduce “ Jakarta solution”, where Australia can negotiate to sign regional agreement with Indonesia to establish processing centres in Jakarta operated by Australian authorities in cooperation with UNHCR to receive and process all applications for protection and then resettle genuine refugees in Australia within increased quota (within the proposed 27,000 refugees quota).
2- Adopt European solution for the issue of unauthorized arrival: detain unauthorized people for the shortest period until health and security checks made and then release them to community awaiting decision on applications for protection.
The network notes here that the new policy changes announced by Rudd’s government are not only inhumane and violate Australia’s commitments under international treaties, but also creates high discrimination among asylum seekers based on their unauthorized arrival mode. If unauthorized arrivals happen by plane, the asylum seekers’ applications will be processed as normal. But if the arrivals happen by boats, they will be denied any rights to lodge application.
The SJN believes that the Australians’ vulnerability towards this issue is a direct result of the complete secrecy around the whole issue. If Australians will be told the full facts and the real humanitarian reasons for people to risk their lives on leaky boats, we believe that public opinion on this issue would be changed dramatically.
The SJN supports dealing with this issue as humanitarian issue, not political. If European countries like Britain can cope with more than hundreds of thousands of unauthorized arrivals every year without the need to resort to inhumane policies of mandatory detention of all arrivals and deport them back to third world countries lacking basic needs for their own people, Australia can do the same.
Our PM and his minister for Immigration can consult our neighbouring NZ on how to manage unauthorized arrivals without detention centres or deporting genuine refugees to other countries in a clear violation to international treaties.
For media comments, you can contact Jamal Daoud (network spokesperson) on 0404 447 272
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Lunch with detainees and refugees in WRD: Mandatory detention system should end
The Social Justice Network (SJN) is holding its annual celebration of World Refugees Day next week as recognition of the deep suffering and sacrifice of the refugees during their journey to reach safe country that protect their lives and dignity.
This year’s celebration, the SJN decided to have the celebration as lunch with refugees and detainees. The network wants to give community members and journalists chance to meet refugees and detainees to explore the truth about their suffering in our detention centers. The celebration will present golden opportunity to clear any misinformation about the boat people and the reasons to make this dangerous journey.
“For the last few years, the refugees and asylum seekers (especially those who arrived by boats) endured sustained attacks from the opposition Liberal party, demanding very tough and inhumane measures to “stop the boats” said Jamal Daoud, spokesmen of SJN.”Instead of standing up against these attacks, the Greens-backed Labor government bowed to these attacks and adopted very tough measures that attracted national and international criticism”.
“The Greens-backed Labor government wanted to introduce legislations to deport asylum seekers to Malaysia, before their claims examined. Such move that was labeled as “inhumane” and “violating international laws” even by Liberal party”.
“The Greens-backed Labor government adopted very inhumane measures that resulted in 6 deaths inside our detention centre, hundreds of refugees attempted to end their lives, rooftop protests and riots and fire in almost all detention centres in the country”
Instead of acting to end the suffering of detainees that caused all these, the government resorted to more draconian arrangements. The government released thousands of detainees on community detention with no rights and no time frame of visa grant.
At the celebration-lunch, many of these “detainees” in community detention arrangement will be present and will be happy to explain their plight. The insecurity and instability they suffer have inherited almost all of them deep mental health problems. Almost all of them are living now on anti-depressants and sleeping bills. Many had told us that they are thinking seriously to end their suffering by ending their lives. Their release from detention centres to unknown destination, did not improve their situation or their health.
What makes situation worse is the fact that many of these detainees in community have either been found to be refugees earlier (in Indonesia or in Australia when they came by boat during Howard era). Many of them are stateless that will be almost impossible for this government or any future government to deport them to any country in the world. In the celebration, there will be chance to meet some of them.
In the celebration, there will be many refugees who survived the boat crash off Christmas Island, December 2010.
During the network’s celebration this year, we want to send strong message to the Australian politicians. The message includes deep disappointment the refugees and their supporters are feeling of the empty rhetoric the politicians promised them before the last elections.
The Greens-backed Labor government should have worked to change the policy fundamentally. They should have worked progressively to abandon the policy of mandatory detention, closing down all detention centres and increase the settlement services for refugees and asylum seekers. This is the declared policy of the Greens. The Greens assumption of balance of power did not bring any relieve to refugees and asylum seekers. On the contrary. Their situation got worse, while the Greens is still engaging in empty rhetoric about setting committees and introducing bills that will never pass the parliament.
The Greens should have used their power (uniquely in both houses) to enforce the Labor government to abandon its inhumane policies. The unique power should have enabled the Greens to enforce the Labor to move more forward and introduce more progressive policies, including widening the definition of refugee to include statelessness and environmental refugees.
The annual celebration is aiming also to send message of solidarity with refugees in Australia and outside for their resilience to survive. The last few years witnessed major armed conflicts that created millions of refugees. The celebration will remember and salute the sacrifice of refugees, everywhere.
The celebration will be held next Sunday 24 June 2012, 1 pm at Kebab Abu Ali restaurant – 14/75-77 Auburn Rd, Auburn.
For media, you can contact Jamal Daoud, the SJN spokesperson, on 0404 447 272
This year’s celebration, the SJN decided to have the celebration as lunch with refugees and detainees. The network wants to give community members and journalists chance to meet refugees and detainees to explore the truth about their suffering in our detention centers. The celebration will present golden opportunity to clear any misinformation about the boat people and the reasons to make this dangerous journey.
“For the last few years, the refugees and asylum seekers (especially those who arrived by boats) endured sustained attacks from the opposition Liberal party, demanding very tough and inhumane measures to “stop the boats” said Jamal Daoud, spokesmen of SJN.”Instead of standing up against these attacks, the Greens-backed Labor government bowed to these attacks and adopted very tough measures that attracted national and international criticism”.
“The Greens-backed Labor government wanted to introduce legislations to deport asylum seekers to Malaysia, before their claims examined. Such move that was labeled as “inhumane” and “violating international laws” even by Liberal party”.
“The Greens-backed Labor government adopted very inhumane measures that resulted in 6 deaths inside our detention centre, hundreds of refugees attempted to end their lives, rooftop protests and riots and fire in almost all detention centres in the country”
Instead of acting to end the suffering of detainees that caused all these, the government resorted to more draconian arrangements. The government released thousands of detainees on community detention with no rights and no time frame of visa grant.
At the celebration-lunch, many of these “detainees” in community detention arrangement will be present and will be happy to explain their plight. The insecurity and instability they suffer have inherited almost all of them deep mental health problems. Almost all of them are living now on anti-depressants and sleeping bills. Many had told us that they are thinking seriously to end their suffering by ending their lives. Their release from detention centres to unknown destination, did not improve their situation or their health.
What makes situation worse is the fact that many of these detainees in community have either been found to be refugees earlier (in Indonesia or in Australia when they came by boat during Howard era). Many of them are stateless that will be almost impossible for this government or any future government to deport them to any country in the world. In the celebration, there will be chance to meet some of them.
In the celebration, there will be many refugees who survived the boat crash off Christmas Island, December 2010.
During the network’s celebration this year, we want to send strong message to the Australian politicians. The message includes deep disappointment the refugees and their supporters are feeling of the empty rhetoric the politicians promised them before the last elections.
The Greens-backed Labor government should have worked to change the policy fundamentally. They should have worked progressively to abandon the policy of mandatory detention, closing down all detention centres and increase the settlement services for refugees and asylum seekers. This is the declared policy of the Greens. The Greens assumption of balance of power did not bring any relieve to refugees and asylum seekers. On the contrary. Their situation got worse, while the Greens is still engaging in empty rhetoric about setting committees and introducing bills that will never pass the parliament.
The Greens should have used their power (uniquely in both houses) to enforce the Labor government to abandon its inhumane policies. The unique power should have enabled the Greens to enforce the Labor to move more forward and introduce more progressive policies, including widening the definition of refugee to include statelessness and environmental refugees.
The annual celebration is aiming also to send message of solidarity with refugees in Australia and outside for their resilience to survive. The last few years witnessed major armed conflicts that created millions of refugees. The celebration will remember and salute the sacrifice of refugees, everywhere.
The celebration will be held next Sunday 24 June 2012, 1 pm at Kebab Abu Ali restaurant – 14/75-77 Auburn Rd, Auburn.
For media, you can contact Jamal Daoud, the SJN spokesperson, on 0404 447 272
Monday, April 2, 2012
Social Justice Network rejects call to decriminalize illicit drugs: show us evidence!!!
It is shocking today to hear that some “high profile” Australians are calling to decriminalize some or all illicit drugs because the “war on drugs was not successful”. The “experts” who met and lead such call did not give us any evidence that decriminalizing drugs would solve any problem.
“It is the easiest way to give up responsibility by decriminalizing illegal substances or activities. But the consequence of such moves was and would be always deadly” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “The decriminalization of gambling saw the addict gamblers numbers increased from few hundreds to few millions at the moment”.
The “experts” did not tell us why they chose drug addictions only to ask for its decriminalization. The “experts” know very well that all human societies failed to stop other addictions and criminal activities. Human civilizations could not, for example, stop pedophilia, rape, killing, theft and other evil crimes.
“We wonder if these “experts” would move later on to demand legalizing pedophilia, killings, rape and theft as a solution for historically lost war on these horrendous crimes!!!”
The same “experts” that caused all socio-economic crisis our society is facing now, are trying to add to its problems.
The “experts” compare between illicit drug addiction to cigarette addiction, but failed to make valid conclusion to learn lessons from historical mistakes. Yes, smoking cigarettes is very bad and dangerous (though not to the extent of illicit drugs). But the experts do not observe the tremendous efforts to limit the devastation of such bad habit. Instead of demanding delegalising smoking cigarettes, the experts reached the wrong conclusion by demanding decriminalization of illicit drugs.
Other societies experience on decriminalization of illicit drugs were complete failure. Holland and Portugal became capitals of drug addiction, trafficking and all related socio-economic problems.
The SJN opposes and will strongly oppose any such move. This does not mean that the government and other security agencies should not take extra measures to fight the addiction, like community education campaigns and other rehabilitation campaigns.
The government should also consider other factors that lead people to become addicts. These include stress, poverty, social isolation, discrimination, loss of hope and other socio-economic factors that lead people to addiction. But any move to legalize illicit drugs would send the wrong message to the wrong direction and will have devastating effects and consequences.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“It is the easiest way to give up responsibility by decriminalizing illegal substances or activities. But the consequence of such moves was and would be always deadly” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “The decriminalization of gambling saw the addict gamblers numbers increased from few hundreds to few millions at the moment”.
The “experts” did not tell us why they chose drug addictions only to ask for its decriminalization. The “experts” know very well that all human societies failed to stop other addictions and criminal activities. Human civilizations could not, for example, stop pedophilia, rape, killing, theft and other evil crimes.
“We wonder if these “experts” would move later on to demand legalizing pedophilia, killings, rape and theft as a solution for historically lost war on these horrendous crimes!!!”
The same “experts” that caused all socio-economic crisis our society is facing now, are trying to add to its problems.
The “experts” compare between illicit drug addiction to cigarette addiction, but failed to make valid conclusion to learn lessons from historical mistakes. Yes, smoking cigarettes is very bad and dangerous (though not to the extent of illicit drugs). But the experts do not observe the tremendous efforts to limit the devastation of such bad habit. Instead of demanding delegalising smoking cigarettes, the experts reached the wrong conclusion by demanding decriminalization of illicit drugs.
Other societies experience on decriminalization of illicit drugs were complete failure. Holland and Portugal became capitals of drug addiction, trafficking and all related socio-economic problems.
The SJN opposes and will strongly oppose any such move. This does not mean that the government and other security agencies should not take extra measures to fight the addiction, like community education campaigns and other rehabilitation campaigns.
The government should also consider other factors that lead people to become addicts. These include stress, poverty, social isolation, discrimination, loss of hope and other socio-economic factors that lead people to addiction. But any move to legalize illicit drugs would send the wrong message to the wrong direction and will have devastating effects and consequences.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Monday, January 23, 2012
SJN call for Australian participation in Global March to Jerusalem
After participating in Amman conference to organise Global March to Jerusalem, 11 December 2011, the Social Justice Network invites all peace loving activists who opposes the Israeli occupation of Palestine to actively participate in this historical march.
The march is planned to start from different countries around the globe and meet on the borders of Palestine on 30 March 2012, to coincide with the annual anniversary of Palestinian Land Day. Then the participants of the march will progress to the borders demanding their free passage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Under international resolution, Jerusalem is a holy city for all religions and the passage to it should be allowed without any obstacle. Israel occupied the holy city during the war of 1967 and since then it took several steps to change the demographic composition of the city in a bid to claim that it should be the capital of its state.
The main march will be in Jordan. Other points of assembly will be on the borders of Palestine with Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.
It is expected that hundreds of thousands of protestors will participate in the march to oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the demand for international community to enforce Israel to recognize and implement International resolutions.
The network is in the mid of gathering support and endorsement for the Amman Communiqué which outline the objectives of the march. We aim to encourage as many Australians as possible to participate in the march by travelling to Jordan. Special attention will be given to get support of high profile Australians for the march. The network will send representatives to the march.
We started already seeking input of active community members and representatives of human rights and Palestinian rights organization to make the Australian participation both effective and valuable. We first asked them to consider endorsing the objectives of the march by endorsing the Amman Communiqué.
Further information on the march could be found on the website http://gm2j.com
We are in the process of calling for broader meeting of individuals and organisations supporting and active on this important issue. We will keep everyone in the society posted about the outcome of the meeting and the efforts to achieve descent Australian participation in the march.
If further information is needed, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272. You also can access our Facebook of Social Justice Network, the Facebook of Viva Palestina Australia or our website www.socialjustice.net.au
Activists can register their intention to participate or endorse the march by sending email to daoud_j6@yahoo.com.au or on the website www.socialjustice.net.au
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
The march is planned to start from different countries around the globe and meet on the borders of Palestine on 30 March 2012, to coincide with the annual anniversary of Palestinian Land Day. Then the participants of the march will progress to the borders demanding their free passage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Under international resolution, Jerusalem is a holy city for all religions and the passage to it should be allowed without any obstacle. Israel occupied the holy city during the war of 1967 and since then it took several steps to change the demographic composition of the city in a bid to claim that it should be the capital of its state.
The main march will be in Jordan. Other points of assembly will be on the borders of Palestine with Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.
It is expected that hundreds of thousands of protestors will participate in the march to oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the demand for international community to enforce Israel to recognize and implement International resolutions.
The network is in the mid of gathering support and endorsement for the Amman Communiqué which outline the objectives of the march. We aim to encourage as many Australians as possible to participate in the march by travelling to Jordan. Special attention will be given to get support of high profile Australians for the march. The network will send representatives to the march.
We started already seeking input of active community members and representatives of human rights and Palestinian rights organization to make the Australian participation both effective and valuable. We first asked them to consider endorsing the objectives of the march by endorsing the Amman Communiqué.
Further information on the march could be found on the website http://gm2j.com
We are in the process of calling for broader meeting of individuals and organisations supporting and active on this important issue. We will keep everyone in the society posted about the outcome of the meeting and the efforts to achieve descent Australian participation in the march.
If further information is needed, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272. You also can access our Facebook of Social Justice Network, the Facebook of Viva Palestina Australia or our website www.socialjustice.net.au
Activists can register their intention to participate or endorse the march by sending email to daoud_j6@yahoo.com.au or on the website www.socialjustice.net.au
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
SJN call for Australian participation in Global March to Jerusalem
After participating in Amman conference to organise Global March to Jerusalem, 11 December 2011, the Social Justice Network invites all peace loving activists who opposes the Israeli occupation of Palestine to actively participate in this historical march.
The march is planned to start from different countries around the globe and meet on the borders of Palestine on 30 March 2012, to coincide with the annual anniversary of Palestinian Land Day. Then the participants of the march will progress to the borders demanding their free passage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Under international resolution, Jerusalem is a holy city for all religions and the passage to it should be allowed without any obstacle. Israel occupied the holy city during the war of 1967 and since then it took several steps to change the demographic composition of the city in a bid to claim that it should be the capital of its state.
The main march will be in Jordan. Other points of assembly will be on the borders of Palestine with Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.
It is expected that hundreds of thousands of protestors will participate in the march to oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the demand for international community to enforce Israel to recognize and implement International resolutions.
The network is in the mid of gathering support and endorsement for the Amman Communiqué which outline the objectives of the march. We aim to encourage as many Australians as possible to participate in the march by travelling to Jordan. Special attention will be given to get support of high profile Australians for the march. The network will send representatives to the march.
We started already seeking input of active community members and representatives of human rights and Palestinian rights organization to make the Australian participation both effective and valuable. We first asked them to consider endorsing the objectives of the march by endorsing the Amman Communiqué.
Further information on the march could be found on the website http://gm2j.com
We are in the process of calling for broader meeting of individuals and organisations supporting and active on this important issue. We will keep everyone in the society posted about the outcome of the meeting and the efforts to achieve descent Australian participation in the march.
If further information is needed, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272. You also can access our Facebook of Social Justice Network, the Facebook of Viva Palestina Australia or our website www.socialjustice.net.au
Activists can register their intention to participate or endorse the march by sending email to daoud_j6@yahoo.com.au or on the website www.socialjustice.net.au
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
The march is planned to start from different countries around the globe and meet on the borders of Palestine on 30 March 2012, to coincide with the annual anniversary of Palestinian Land Day. Then the participants of the march will progress to the borders demanding their free passage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Under international resolution, Jerusalem is a holy city for all religions and the passage to it should be allowed without any obstacle. Israel occupied the holy city during the war of 1967 and since then it took several steps to change the demographic composition of the city in a bid to claim that it should be the capital of its state.
The main march will be in Jordan. Other points of assembly will be on the borders of Palestine with Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.
It is expected that hundreds of thousands of protestors will participate in the march to oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the demand for international community to enforce Israel to recognize and implement International resolutions.
The network is in the mid of gathering support and endorsement for the Amman Communiqué which outline the objectives of the march. We aim to encourage as many Australians as possible to participate in the march by travelling to Jordan. Special attention will be given to get support of high profile Australians for the march. The network will send representatives to the march.
We started already seeking input of active community members and representatives of human rights and Palestinian rights organization to make the Australian participation both effective and valuable. We first asked them to consider endorsing the objectives of the march by endorsing the Amman Communiqué.
Further information on the march could be found on the website http://gm2j.com
We are in the process of calling for broader meeting of individuals and organisations supporting and active on this important issue. We will keep everyone in the society posted about the outcome of the meeting and the efforts to achieve descent Australian participation in the march.
If further information is needed, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272. You also can access our Facebook of Social Justice Network, the Facebook of Viva Palestina Australia or our website www.socialjustice.net.au
Activists can register their intention to participate or endorse the march by sending email to daoud_j6@yahoo.com.au or on the website www.socialjustice.net.au
Jamal Daoud
Social Justice Network
Friday, January 20, 2012
Abbott’s new policy on boat arrivals: impractical steps in violating international laws
The new policy announced by Tony Abbott to turn every boat arriving to Australian international water is inhumane, impractical and clear departure of Australian commitments under International laws and treaties. It is no more than a cheap stunt to drag the racist debate on asylum seekers and boat people to new morally low level.
“Australia is obliged under Geneva Convention 1951 and the subsequent protocol 1967 to not deport any asylum seeker arriving into its borders before examining their application for protection” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of Social Justice Network (SJN). “Tony Abbott is capitalizing on the government’s chaotic dealing with this issue for the last 2 years to extract as many conservative voters as possible”.
“The policy will also meet stiff resistance from Indonesia and would have definitely a backlash with already vulnerable relationship with Indonesia. The Indonesian will have the full right to revolt against such policy that will leave the full burden of dealing with this international issue on their poor country”.
The policy was also proven to be no more than a farce during Howard era. The navy could tow back only one or two arriving boats. The following arriving boats witnessed disastrous consequences when the navy attempted to tow them back to international water.
Tony Abbott policy is no more than a farce to deal with such small issue. The boat arrivals to Australia is very tiny if compared to numbers of asylum seekers arriving to other countries. Poor countries like Jordan, Kenya and Tunisia are receiving hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers every year, when Australia is receiving nor more than 2-4 thousands/year for the last decade.
“Tony Abbott’s mad, evil, inhumane and illegal under international treaties new policy was encouraged by the government’s chaotic dealing with this issue. The government should have taken several steps in the last few years to change laws to relax the treatment of asylum seekers”
The government also failed to take any steps to expose the reality of the issue and the Australian commitments and obligations under international law. Failure to do so and the concentration on taking tough measures to stop the boats arrivals and breaking people smuggling module have encouraged Mr. Abbott to announce this totally inhumane policy.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“Australia is obliged under Geneva Convention 1951 and the subsequent protocol 1967 to not deport any asylum seeker arriving into its borders before examining their application for protection” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of Social Justice Network (SJN). “Tony Abbott is capitalizing on the government’s chaotic dealing with this issue for the last 2 years to extract as many conservative voters as possible”.
“The policy will also meet stiff resistance from Indonesia and would have definitely a backlash with already vulnerable relationship with Indonesia. The Indonesian will have the full right to revolt against such policy that will leave the full burden of dealing with this international issue on their poor country”.
The policy was also proven to be no more than a farce during Howard era. The navy could tow back only one or two arriving boats. The following arriving boats witnessed disastrous consequences when the navy attempted to tow them back to international water.
Tony Abbott policy is no more than a farce to deal with such small issue. The boat arrivals to Australia is very tiny if compared to numbers of asylum seekers arriving to other countries. Poor countries like Jordan, Kenya and Tunisia are receiving hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers every year, when Australia is receiving nor more than 2-4 thousands/year for the last decade.
“Tony Abbott’s mad, evil, inhumane and illegal under international treaties new policy was encouraged by the government’s chaotic dealing with this issue. The government should have taken several steps in the last few years to change laws to relax the treatment of asylum seekers”
The government also failed to take any steps to expose the reality of the issue and the Australian commitments and obligations under international law. Failure to do so and the concentration on taking tough measures to stop the boats arrivals and breaking people smuggling module have encouraged Mr. Abbott to announce this totally inhumane policy.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Monday, January 9, 2012
In response to Teresa Gambaro: Politicians needs cultural awareness about post White-Australia society
The disgraceful comments by Liberals politician and shadow citizenship minister Teresa Gambaro about the needs to enforce new migrants into cultural awareness classes are not a laughable matter. The new low level of political debate our politicians are taking us to is very concerning and very dangerous.
“The dangerous level of the debate is coming from the fact that the comments came from a daughter of migrant. The destructive low level of debate made a politician disregard her past” said Jamal Daoud spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “Ms Gambaro should have consulted her parents about their level of hygiene, health and life style after their arrival to this country before making these public comments”.
“This new low level of race to bottom on race proves beyond any doubt that the real need is for politicians to be sent to cultural awareness classes to explore expectations of new post White –Australia society of their politicians”.
“The god-father of Ms Gambaro’s politics previous PM Howard, started this destructive debate about “Australian vs. Unaustralian” and the superiority of Australian “culture” without explaining what is in fact the “Australian” culture is” Mr Daoud added.
“The debate is raging now among all Australians if homosexuality should be encouraged into marriage, if drugs should be decriminalized, if alcohol should be banned, if racism is good and if euthanasia should be promoted. So what are Australian norms saying about these divisive issues?”
If Ms Gambaro is really concerned about the integration of new migrants, she should listen to experts on this issue. The experts emphasize that greater respect, spending on more settlement services and strengthening racial and religious discrimination Acts would be more effective to make migrants get out of their ghettos and integrate in their society.
The SJN expresses its great concern about the low level of the political debate that now reached the using of deodorants and women tampons instead of talking about the great challenges Australian are facing, especially during this volatile period of time.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“The dangerous level of the debate is coming from the fact that the comments came from a daughter of migrant. The destructive low level of debate made a politician disregard her past” said Jamal Daoud spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “Ms Gambaro should have consulted her parents about their level of hygiene, health and life style after their arrival to this country before making these public comments”.
“This new low level of race to bottom on race proves beyond any doubt that the real need is for politicians to be sent to cultural awareness classes to explore expectations of new post White –Australia society of their politicians”.
“The god-father of Ms Gambaro’s politics previous PM Howard, started this destructive debate about “Australian vs. Unaustralian” and the superiority of Australian “culture” without explaining what is in fact the “Australian” culture is” Mr Daoud added.
“The debate is raging now among all Australians if homosexuality should be encouraged into marriage, if drugs should be decriminalized, if alcohol should be banned, if racism is good and if euthanasia should be promoted. So what are Australian norms saying about these divisive issues?”
If Ms Gambaro is really concerned about the integration of new migrants, she should listen to experts on this issue. The experts emphasize that greater respect, spending on more settlement services and strengthening racial and religious discrimination Acts would be more effective to make migrants get out of their ghettos and integrate in their society.
The SJN expresses its great concern about the low level of the political debate that now reached the using of deodorants and women tampons instead of talking about the great challenges Australian are facing, especially during this volatile period of time.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Greens should follow Willkie’s footsteps on how to achieve change on boat people
While we are watching with deep pride the performance of Andrew Willkie, MP, who brought the government on its knees over poker machine reforms, we consider this to be clear evidence on Greens lack of determination to achieve changes on issues they promise to achieve before last elections.
“Andrew Willkie, a sole independent MP, could enforce the Labor minority government to act on spiraling gambling problem” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “This raises very serious questions why 10 Greens MP and Senators cannot enforce the same minority government to stop attacks on asylum seekers rights”
“Andrew Willkie knows that poker machine reforms were the issues that put him in parliament. This is why he pursued this with arm and fist. And he delivered”
“In comparison, the Greens know very well that the asylum seekers issue was the most important issue that handed them the balance of power in both houses. Yet the Greens prefer to keep treating this issue as political football, with no achievement but to spread more lies and deceptions”
“The Greens leader can pick up the phone tonight and call the prime minister to warn her about deep consequencies if she pursued the same inhumane line on boat people. The result is almost guaranteed. The PM cannot gamble with her job, especially that all opinion polls indicate devastating election defeat if we go to election now”
“We have stressed for long time that the Greens treat the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers as a political football to win more votes. The Greens are happy to keep the debate so low between the two major parties, to distinguish the Greens from both. This would guarantee the Greens to keep the current high vote. The performance of Mr Willkie is clear evidence that support our claims”
If the Greens are serious on their crocodile tears on boat people suffering and fate, they should either call Andrew Willkie or Julia Gillard. They could get some consultation on how Andrew Willkie could achieve results. Alternatively, they should stress to the PM that they are serious on withdrawing support for the government if Labor insists to take Australia to third world countries’ club.
The Greens should cut the lies and either stop shedding crocodile tears on boat people. Or they should put their feet deep in sands and demand actions from PM, if she wants to keep her job for the next two years.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
“Andrew Willkie, a sole independent MP, could enforce the Labor minority government to act on spiraling gambling problem” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “This raises very serious questions why 10 Greens MP and Senators cannot enforce the same minority government to stop attacks on asylum seekers rights”
“Andrew Willkie knows that poker machine reforms were the issues that put him in parliament. This is why he pursued this with arm and fist. And he delivered”
“In comparison, the Greens know very well that the asylum seekers issue was the most important issue that handed them the balance of power in both houses. Yet the Greens prefer to keep treating this issue as political football, with no achievement but to spread more lies and deceptions”
“The Greens leader can pick up the phone tonight and call the prime minister to warn her about deep consequencies if she pursued the same inhumane line on boat people. The result is almost guaranteed. The PM cannot gamble with her job, especially that all opinion polls indicate devastating election defeat if we go to election now”
“We have stressed for long time that the Greens treat the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers as a political football to win more votes. The Greens are happy to keep the debate so low between the two major parties, to distinguish the Greens from both. This would guarantee the Greens to keep the current high vote. The performance of Mr Willkie is clear evidence that support our claims”
If the Greens are serious on their crocodile tears on boat people suffering and fate, they should either call Andrew Willkie or Julia Gillard. They could get some consultation on how Andrew Willkie could achieve results. Alternatively, they should stress to the PM that they are serious on withdrawing support for the government if Labor insists to take Australia to third world countries’ club.
The Greens should cut the lies and either stop shedding crocodile tears on boat people. Or they should put their feet deep in sands and demand actions from PM, if she wants to keep her job for the next two years.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Greens must withdraw support for this government to end inhumane treatment of refugees
Today’s announcement by Labor minority government of its intension to introduce bill to amend Migration Act to enable it to deport asylum seekers arrived by boat is a new serious race to bottom in disregarding the human rights in this country. By doing this, the Labor is going too extreme to the right. Even the Liberals are hesitant to support this extreme move to dump refugees and asylum seekers and traffic them to other countries.
While it is very highly likely that the Liberals will support amending the Migration Act, we believe that defeating these attempts to race to bottom on this issue lay within the Greens power.
“The Greens is in unique situation after the last year’s election” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of Social Justice Network. “The Greens not only holds the balance of power in both houses. Its sole MP, Adam Bandt, is a key member to secure Labor’s continuation in office”.
The Greens leader’s excuse not to withdrawing Greens support for Labor minority government and hence going for early election was based on his assumption that Labor’s position on this issue is more progressive than Liberals’. This view is not supported by the recent developments and Labor’s practices.
“The situation inside the immigration system is very appalling. It is far worse than it was under the regressive Liberals government”
The Greens should stop playing numbers game. Maybe the Greens do not have the power to stop Labor-Liberals alliance to keep persecuting refugees and asylum seekers. But they have great power, if used appropriately, could stop the Labor’s attacks on human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
With Labor greatly struggling in opinion polls, it will not gamble to go for fresh new election as a result of Greens withdrawal of support. Hence, we believe that any Greens indication of this scenario will enforce Labor to back down on their path to amend the Migration Act and offshore processing.
If the Greens fail to do so, the voters will not be blamed to lose faith in the Greens and the political system altogether. The 1.5 million voters who voted for the Greens in the last election, they did so to arm the Greens with enough power to stop attacks on these vulnerable people.
If the Greens fail to use these tremendous powers (balance of power in both houses in addition to the ability to bring the government down), the Australians will have thousand questions about the Greens credibility on this issue.
The Greens verbal opposition to Amending Migration Act and against the offshore processing should be accompanied by actions. Without actions, the Greens are in fact complicit in the attacks on refugees, asylum seekers, multiculturalism and diversity in the society.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
While it is very highly likely that the Liberals will support amending the Migration Act, we believe that defeating these attempts to race to bottom on this issue lay within the Greens power.
“The Greens is in unique situation after the last year’s election” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of Social Justice Network. “The Greens not only holds the balance of power in both houses. Its sole MP, Adam Bandt, is a key member to secure Labor’s continuation in office”.
The Greens leader’s excuse not to withdrawing Greens support for Labor minority government and hence going for early election was based on his assumption that Labor’s position on this issue is more progressive than Liberals’. This view is not supported by the recent developments and Labor’s practices.
“The situation inside the immigration system is very appalling. It is far worse than it was under the regressive Liberals government”
The Greens should stop playing numbers game. Maybe the Greens do not have the power to stop Labor-Liberals alliance to keep persecuting refugees and asylum seekers. But they have great power, if used appropriately, could stop the Labor’s attacks on human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
With Labor greatly struggling in opinion polls, it will not gamble to go for fresh new election as a result of Greens withdrawal of support. Hence, we believe that any Greens indication of this scenario will enforce Labor to back down on their path to amend the Migration Act and offshore processing.
If the Greens fail to do so, the voters will not be blamed to lose faith in the Greens and the political system altogether. The 1.5 million voters who voted for the Greens in the last election, they did so to arm the Greens with enough power to stop attacks on these vulnerable people.
If the Greens fail to use these tremendous powers (balance of power in both houses in addition to the ability to bring the government down), the Australians will have thousand questions about the Greens credibility on this issue.
The Greens verbal opposition to Amending Migration Act and against the offshore processing should be accompanied by actions. Without actions, the Greens are in fact complicit in the attacks on refugees, asylum seekers, multiculturalism and diversity in the society.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Letter to Greens Adam Bandt: Actions, and not talks, are needed tomorrow
11 September 2011
Dear Adam Bandt, member for Melbourne
In this letter we would like to urge you to take ACTION to stop the inhumane and illegal treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. We heard your leader and your party spokesperson on refugees talk extensively on several occasions opposing this treatment, but we saw no action.
We understand that the Labor government (backed by you) will move tomorrow to change the Migration Act to enable them legislating for Offshore Processing. The offshore processing was found recently to be illegal by High Court ruling.
For the last year, we have witnessed serious deteriorations to human rights in Australia. This includes, but not exclusive of, treatment of refugees. Such treatment that made Australia a headline for international criticism and embarrassment. Not only this. Such treatment that resulted in loss of 5 human lives inside detention centres, mass riots and protests inside many detention centres and self harm attempts of detainees almost on daily basis.
All these atrocities and human rights violations happened under your party (the Greens Party) auspices. Without your party’s support for Labor, the current government would not continue to govern more than few months.
Not only this. We did not witness serious calls from your party to the current minister for immigration to end these criminal and detrimental practices in the migration system.
We know very well that the current government is very vulnerable to any serious threat of withdrawing support, which would lead to government collapse and subsequent change of government. This was the reaosn why your party was successful in enforcing the government to introduce the highly unpopular Carbon Tax laws, which was consistently opposed by all previous Labor leaders.
We deeply believe that tomorrow is the time for action. If the government (backed by your party) will decide to amend the Migration Law, Australian politics will enter new very serious low moment of disrespect to human rights and international laws. Not only this. Multiculturalism and diversity in society will be deeply compromised.
We urge you to use the unique position you personally hold in parliament to stop this disaster. While we know that you and your party will lose if we go to fresh double dissolution election, we believe that Labor will not go this path. The Labor simply does not think that you and your party are serious about opposing this low path of attacking refugees, asylum seekers, multiculturalism and diversity. If they will be sure that your party is very serious on threats of withdrawing support, the Labor will back down.
We think that tomorrow is a historic day. If you allow the government you are part of to go this path, Australians should have thousand questions about you and your party credibility on election promises and policies.
Thanks and if you need to discuss these issues further, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Yours sincerely
Jamal Daoud
Spokesperson, SJN
Dear Adam Bandt, member for Melbourne
In this letter we would like to urge you to take ACTION to stop the inhumane and illegal treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. We heard your leader and your party spokesperson on refugees talk extensively on several occasions opposing this treatment, but we saw no action.
We understand that the Labor government (backed by you) will move tomorrow to change the Migration Act to enable them legislating for Offshore Processing. The offshore processing was found recently to be illegal by High Court ruling.
For the last year, we have witnessed serious deteriorations to human rights in Australia. This includes, but not exclusive of, treatment of refugees. Such treatment that made Australia a headline for international criticism and embarrassment. Not only this. Such treatment that resulted in loss of 5 human lives inside detention centres, mass riots and protests inside many detention centres and self harm attempts of detainees almost on daily basis.
All these atrocities and human rights violations happened under your party (the Greens Party) auspices. Without your party’s support for Labor, the current government would not continue to govern more than few months.
Not only this. We did not witness serious calls from your party to the current minister for immigration to end these criminal and detrimental practices in the migration system.
We know very well that the current government is very vulnerable to any serious threat of withdrawing support, which would lead to government collapse and subsequent change of government. This was the reaosn why your party was successful in enforcing the government to introduce the highly unpopular Carbon Tax laws, which was consistently opposed by all previous Labor leaders.
We deeply believe that tomorrow is the time for action. If the government (backed by your party) will decide to amend the Migration Law, Australian politics will enter new very serious low moment of disrespect to human rights and international laws. Not only this. Multiculturalism and diversity in society will be deeply compromised.
We urge you to use the unique position you personally hold in parliament to stop this disaster. While we know that you and your party will lose if we go to fresh double dissolution election, we believe that Labor will not go this path. The Labor simply does not think that you and your party are serious about opposing this low path of attacking refugees, asylum seekers, multiculturalism and diversity. If they will be sure that your party is very serious on threats of withdrawing support, the Labor will back down.
We think that tomorrow is a historic day. If you allow the government you are part of to go this path, Australians should have thousand questions about you and your party credibility on election promises and policies.
Thanks and if you need to discuss these issues further, I can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Yours sincerely
Jamal Daoud
Spokesperson, SJN
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The mandatory detention has no community support: Labor-Greens government should abolish this inhumane policy
The recent poll on offshore processing system which showed that majority of Australians oppose inhumane treatment of refugees has proved our long time argument. The Social Justice Network has argued for the few years that Australians are decent people and does not support illegal inhumane treatment of vulnerable people seeking asylum in our great nation. Even during the turbulent times where riots and mass protest hit our detention centres and the political parties represented in the parliament showed no leadership, we were arguing that Australians, while oppose such desperate actions, but understand its origin and reasons.
“The poll has showed very clearly that the majority of Australians opposes Australia give up its commitments and dishonor its obligation under Geneva Convention on Refugees Status 1951” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “Not only this. This poll came after media and political hysteria came after serious desperate actions where parts of Christmas Island and Villawood detention centres were burnt and mass protests of detainees”.
Not only this. We have today the department secretary telling us that the mandatory detention is not working and there were some serious complications for this system. These serious complications include high rate of self-harm, mental health epidemics, high cost and harm to workers.
“Two months ago the minister blamed our organisation to orchestrate and organize all these. The minister and his SERCO contractors were so naive to accuse us of causing the endemics of self-harm, riots, protests and all other complications” added Jamal Daoud. “I was arrested, humiliated on the hands of police officers, banned from entering any detention centre with no written notice and accused of urging people to burn detention centres and self-harm”
“Now, we have the head of the department admit that I and my colleagues are not to be blamed for all these desperate actions. And he urged politicians to exercise the same options we gave this minister and previous minister, to solve the tremendous troubles inside our system”.
“We were the first to suggest using community accommodation for asylum seekers. We were the first to warn the minister of deep consequencies, even before the riots and mass self harm attempts happened. Instead of listening, the authorities were quick to blame us of causing all these troubles and desperate acts”.
While we are happy for the Liberal-Greens move to initiate the enquiry about the crisis in the system, we think that they should do more to handle this crisis and start relieving it. The Greens especially, as the party that championed themselves to be pro-refugee party and won a lot of votes in the last election on this issue, can even enforce the Labor to abandon its inhumane illegal practices and policies. The Greens, as a crucial partner of Labor, can enforce the government to fundamentally change the system. We saw how the Greens did enforce the Labor to introduce Carbon Tax, re-open internal debate on same-sex marriage and on other issues. The Greens is in very good position to enforce Labor into abandoning Malaysian solution, Manus Island solution and fundamentally change the current arrangement.
The Greens is interested only in political score-pointing and vote-harvesting tactics, instead of changing fundamentally a collapsing system.
The SJN is proud to be on the front line against this policy. And we will continue to oppose inhumane and illegal policies.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
“The poll has showed very clearly that the majority of Australians opposes Australia give up its commitments and dishonor its obligation under Geneva Convention on Refugees Status 1951” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “Not only this. This poll came after media and political hysteria came after serious desperate actions where parts of Christmas Island and Villawood detention centres were burnt and mass protests of detainees”.
Not only this. We have today the department secretary telling us that the mandatory detention is not working and there were some serious complications for this system. These serious complications include high rate of self-harm, mental health epidemics, high cost and harm to workers.
“Two months ago the minister blamed our organisation to orchestrate and organize all these. The minister and his SERCO contractors were so naive to accuse us of causing the endemics of self-harm, riots, protests and all other complications” added Jamal Daoud. “I was arrested, humiliated on the hands of police officers, banned from entering any detention centre with no written notice and accused of urging people to burn detention centres and self-harm”
“Now, we have the head of the department admit that I and my colleagues are not to be blamed for all these desperate actions. And he urged politicians to exercise the same options we gave this minister and previous minister, to solve the tremendous troubles inside our system”.
“We were the first to suggest using community accommodation for asylum seekers. We were the first to warn the minister of deep consequencies, even before the riots and mass self harm attempts happened. Instead of listening, the authorities were quick to blame us of causing all these troubles and desperate acts”.
While we are happy for the Liberal-Greens move to initiate the enquiry about the crisis in the system, we think that they should do more to handle this crisis and start relieving it. The Greens especially, as the party that championed themselves to be pro-refugee party and won a lot of votes in the last election on this issue, can even enforce the Labor to abandon its inhumane illegal practices and policies. The Greens, as a crucial partner of Labor, can enforce the government to fundamentally change the system. We saw how the Greens did enforce the Labor to introduce Carbon Tax, re-open internal debate on same-sex marriage and on other issues. The Greens is in very good position to enforce Labor into abandoning Malaysian solution, Manus Island solution and fundamentally change the current arrangement.
The Greens is interested only in political score-pointing and vote-harvesting tactics, instead of changing fundamentally a collapsing system.
The SJN is proud to be on the front line against this policy. And we will continue to oppose inhumane and illegal policies.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Possible devastating effects of deporting Afghanis to Malaysia on our soldiers in Afghanistan
The government’s vow to broadcast the inhumane (possibly violent) deportation of asylum seekers arrived today to Christmas Island to Malaysia could have devastating effects on our soldiers serving overseas. The Social Justice Network warns that the footage of Australian officers roughly handling women and children (all mainly Afghani) could spark fresh targeted round of deadly attacks by Afghani militia on our soldiers participating in invading that country.
“Any footage of Western soldiers roughly handling Afghani women and children would be seen as an attack on national and religious pride of the whole nation of Afghanistan” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “Not only this. The government is vowing to film this rough inhumane treatment and broadcast them on local TV stations across the Middle East”.
This year, we saw increasing targeted attacks on Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan. The image of Australia is already very bad across the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now the government will send another message of hate, racism and humiliating of foreign nationals. This will have devastating effect on many aspects of Australian life, including tourism and economical relationships.
“The Australian government by sending such rough footages will encourage Afghani militia to spread hate against Australia. Consequently, we would expect that this would be translated in increased military attacks on our soldiers stationed there”.
The Australian government, again, is picking the wrong messages and the wrong circumstances. Such huge misjudgment will probably cost human lives. These lives could have spread beyond our military personnel to include Australian tourists or business people. The Australian government is again ready to sacrifice Australian interests (and this time Australian lives) in a bid to lift its very low electoral approval.
“The Australian government is not only gambling with lives of innocent asylum seekers. But it also gambles with Australian lives (soldiers and civilians)”
We hold the Australian government the full responsibility of any increasing loss of Australian lives as a result of its move to violate international laws on treating refugees and asylum seekers. We also hold the government the full responsibility of the well-being of asylum seekers who will be deported back to unknown destination in Malaysia.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“Any footage of Western soldiers roughly handling Afghani women and children would be seen as an attack on national and religious pride of the whole nation of Afghanistan” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “Not only this. The government is vowing to film this rough inhumane treatment and broadcast them on local TV stations across the Middle East”.
This year, we saw increasing targeted attacks on Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan. The image of Australia is already very bad across the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now the government will send another message of hate, racism and humiliating of foreign nationals. This will have devastating effect on many aspects of Australian life, including tourism and economical relationships.
“The Australian government by sending such rough footages will encourage Afghani militia to spread hate against Australia. Consequently, we would expect that this would be translated in increased military attacks on our soldiers stationed there”.
The Australian government, again, is picking the wrong messages and the wrong circumstances. Such huge misjudgment will probably cost human lives. These lives could have spread beyond our military personnel to include Australian tourists or business people. The Australian government is again ready to sacrifice Australian interests (and this time Australian lives) in a bid to lift its very low electoral approval.
“The Australian government is not only gambling with lives of innocent asylum seekers. But it also gambles with Australian lives (soldiers and civilians)”
We hold the Australian government the full responsibility of any increasing loss of Australian lives as a result of its move to violate international laws on treating refugees and asylum seekers. We also hold the government the full responsibility of the well-being of asylum seekers who will be deported back to unknown destination in Malaysia.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Malaysian “solution” deal: Labor-Greens equally responsible for rising racism and Islamophobia
The Social Justice Network (SJN) condemns unreservedly the Labor minority government’s singing on the Malaysian “solution” deal. The deal is a clear violation to many international treaties and agreements that were signed by Australia long time ago. On the top of this are the violations to many articles in the Geneva Convention on Refugees status, 1952, and subsequent protocols. The deal especially violates the “non-refoulement” principle in the Geneva Convention.
“We do not know why asylum seekers arriving by boats are treated differently to asylum seekers arriving by planes” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “The deal with Malaysia means effectively that refugees arriving by boats will be denied basic rights of non-refoulement that their counterparts arriving by planes are still enjoying”.
The deal with Malaysia has more serious implications on Multiculturalism and social harmony in the society.
“We note here the irony of the singing on the deal on the next day of the massacres in Oslo by Anti-migrants Anti-Muslims extremist. The Australian government has sent the wrong message to the whole world by caving in for the extreme racists’ demands to crack down on migration, especially Muslims”
The deal with Malaysia is a bid from the current minority government to win back racist voters who deserted the Labor party in the last election on this particular issue.
“The Labor minority government cannot understand that the voters have deserted the Labor party for opposite reasons” Mr Daoud added. “The voters clearly were shocked when the Labor party did not stand up for Multiculturalism and against Islamophobia”
“We have great faith in Australian people to believe that in fact voters deserted the Labor after they did not feel any difference between them and the extreme racist Liberal party. The evidence on this is the high record of people voted for the Greens who claimed to support Multiculturalism and asylum seekers rights”
“But contrary to the Greens claims, we hold the Greens party equal responsibility on these serious setbacks of human rights in Australia. The Greens have flexed their muscles in the face of the Labor minority government on many issues, but the asylum seekers rights”
In this instance we wonder why the Greens were successful in enforcing the government to introduce Carbon Tax, re-opening of same-sex marriage debate, banning life cattle trade with Indonesia and on many other issues. But the Greens are claiming to have no muscles in the face of the Labor’s attack on boat people’s right to seek asylum in Australia.
“We are giving this issue such huge importance because we believe that it plays major role in undermining the social cohesion and social harmony. The attack on boat people are no more than attack on Multiculturalism and rights of people from minor ethnic and religious groups to live equally in the society. Such attacks that lead to the Oslo horrendous massacres 2 days ago”
The slide of the Labor and the Greens popularity in recent opinion polls are clear indications that Australians had fed up with political cowardness. The majority of Australians who voted against Howard’s government in 2007 election, actually voted for deep change in society. On the top of these issues are the attack on Multiculturalism and human rights. But for the last 4 years, no major changes to Howard’s polices were introduced by Labor - Greens. In fact, things now are worse on human rights and Multiculturalism issues than during Howard’s dark era.
We note here that the Labor-Greens government has:
1- Introduced the most racist migration laws in any Western democracies, where virtually people from Non-English speaking countries has nil chance to migrate to Australia, but on spouse visas. The English proficiency was introduced to be the main important issues for skilled, business and working migration.
2- Re-introduced Temporary protection visas.
3- Introduced Malaysian solution (which is by all experts’ opinions are far worse than Pacific solution).
4- Enforced very harsh circumstances in detentions which resulted in many deaths-suicides, mass self-harm attempts and mass riots and protests.
We hold Labor-Greens government the full responsibility of any serious Oslo-like attacks in Australia as a result of not doing much to crack down on extreme racism and Islamophobia in the society. We believe, from recent attacks and threats to us and to other human rights campaigners, that extremism, racisms and Islamophobia are on steep rise in Australia. This is a direct result of the total lack of leadership form our politicians in Canberra to stand up against extremists and racists. If things continue on this track, we believe that dark days are awaiting us.
For media comments, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“We do not know why asylum seekers arriving by boats are treated differently to asylum seekers arriving by planes” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “The deal with Malaysia means effectively that refugees arriving by boats will be denied basic rights of non-refoulement that their counterparts arriving by planes are still enjoying”.
The deal with Malaysia has more serious implications on Multiculturalism and social harmony in the society.
“We note here the irony of the singing on the deal on the next day of the massacres in Oslo by Anti-migrants Anti-Muslims extremist. The Australian government has sent the wrong message to the whole world by caving in for the extreme racists’ demands to crack down on migration, especially Muslims”
The deal with Malaysia is a bid from the current minority government to win back racist voters who deserted the Labor party in the last election on this particular issue.
“The Labor minority government cannot understand that the voters have deserted the Labor party for opposite reasons” Mr Daoud added. “The voters clearly were shocked when the Labor party did not stand up for Multiculturalism and against Islamophobia”
“We have great faith in Australian people to believe that in fact voters deserted the Labor after they did not feel any difference between them and the extreme racist Liberal party. The evidence on this is the high record of people voted for the Greens who claimed to support Multiculturalism and asylum seekers rights”
“But contrary to the Greens claims, we hold the Greens party equal responsibility on these serious setbacks of human rights in Australia. The Greens have flexed their muscles in the face of the Labor minority government on many issues, but the asylum seekers rights”
In this instance we wonder why the Greens were successful in enforcing the government to introduce Carbon Tax, re-opening of same-sex marriage debate, banning life cattle trade with Indonesia and on many other issues. But the Greens are claiming to have no muscles in the face of the Labor’s attack on boat people’s right to seek asylum in Australia.
“We are giving this issue such huge importance because we believe that it plays major role in undermining the social cohesion and social harmony. The attack on boat people are no more than attack on Multiculturalism and rights of people from minor ethnic and religious groups to live equally in the society. Such attacks that lead to the Oslo horrendous massacres 2 days ago”
The slide of the Labor and the Greens popularity in recent opinion polls are clear indications that Australians had fed up with political cowardness. The majority of Australians who voted against Howard’s government in 2007 election, actually voted for deep change in society. On the top of these issues are the attack on Multiculturalism and human rights. But for the last 4 years, no major changes to Howard’s polices were introduced by Labor - Greens. In fact, things now are worse on human rights and Multiculturalism issues than during Howard’s dark era.
We note here that the Labor-Greens government has:
1- Introduced the most racist migration laws in any Western democracies, where virtually people from Non-English speaking countries has nil chance to migrate to Australia, but on spouse visas. The English proficiency was introduced to be the main important issues for skilled, business and working migration.
2- Re-introduced Temporary protection visas.
3- Introduced Malaysian solution (which is by all experts’ opinions are far worse than Pacific solution).
4- Enforced very harsh circumstances in detentions which resulted in many deaths-suicides, mass self-harm attempts and mass riots and protests.
We hold Labor-Greens government the full responsibility of any serious Oslo-like attacks in Australia as a result of not doing much to crack down on extreme racism and Islamophobia in the society. We believe, from recent attacks and threats to us and to other human rights campaigners, that extremism, racisms and Islamophobia are on steep rise in Australia. This is a direct result of the total lack of leadership form our politicians in Canberra to stand up against extremists and racists. If things continue on this track, we believe that dark days are awaiting us.
For media comments, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Friday, June 17, 2011
Refugees Day should see practical support for them and not propaganda for electoral gains
While we never agreed with the right conservative Liberal party, but we have no choice but to agree with Tony Abbot’s demands. Tony Abbot demanded yesterday that the Greens stop talking about opposing Malaysian solution and instead take actions to enforce the government to abandon Malaysian solution and all steps to undermine the refugees and asylum seekers rights.
This year’s celebration of World Refugees Day is coming where the government of Australia supposed to be Left-Centre collation of Labor-Greens-Independents. But instead of celebrating any progress on ending scapegoating of asylum seekers and attacks on Multiculturalism, the attacks indeed intensified. Such intensification of attacks was met with no meaningful opposition from the Greens, which promoted itself as “progressive”, “Left” and “pro-refugees”.
“The Social Justice Network (SJN) will boycott the rally tomorrow as we view the rally to be no more than a cheap media stunt to promote the Greens and its political opportunism” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “We note here that the Greens senator is the only politician invited to speak at the rally. We also note that the list of organisations endorsing the rally have every Greens local group on it, with no other political endorsement of other political parties or organisations supporting refugees rights”
“We will have no problem to give the Greens space to outline to Australians and protestors the practical steps taken by the Greens to end the attack on the refugees and asylum seekers. But instead, the rally will give a platform for the Greens senator to vend more lies about the Greens declared policies on these issues”
We note that there is big difference between policies and politics. The Greens currently have huge influence on the Labor’s decision, if they were genuine to enforce change of current Labor politics. The Greens in fact a partner in this minority government and with one call from Bob Brown or Sarah Hanson-Young to Julia Gillard, they can in fact enforce total change of current politics. The Greens can demand abandoning of Malaysian solution and all harsh Labor policies, if Julia wants to continue governing the country.
Without Adam Bandit, the minority government will collapse and fresh election will be called. The Labor definitely is not ready for such election and will definitely budge to such demands. The government could refuse or resist demands of sole independent MP, Andrew Willkie, when he demanded dramatic changes to big and influential pokies industry. The Greens should follow the footsteps of Andrew Willkie.
The SJN calls on all community members to ignore the rally tomorrow, such rally that wants to give the Greens progressive blanket they do not deserve. We believe that progressiveness should be practical steps to achieve solutions and results, and not only a set of code words.
We, as a group that fights on the frontline for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, cannot endorse a rally that aims to deceive masses and give them misleading sense of comfort that there are politicians inside the parliament defending these rights. The Greens, as part of minority government that persecute asylum seekers and refugees, became part of the problem and not part of any solution.
When the Greens take any practical step to stop the asylum seekers persecution, we will be the first to promote these steps to be progressive and things to be praised and promoted. But for now, the Greens should be condemned for making this highly humanitarian issue an issue for electoral gains.
We should also note that we, in the SJN, were ahead of Tony Abbot to demand practical steps from the Greens to stop the Labor’s attack on refugees and asylum seekers rights.
Instead of participating in the media circus and stunt tomorrow, the SJN will continue to take practical steps to highlight the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
This year’s celebration of World Refugees Day is coming where the government of Australia supposed to be Left-Centre collation of Labor-Greens-Independents. But instead of celebrating any progress on ending scapegoating of asylum seekers and attacks on Multiculturalism, the attacks indeed intensified. Such intensification of attacks was met with no meaningful opposition from the Greens, which promoted itself as “progressive”, “Left” and “pro-refugees”.
“The Social Justice Network (SJN) will boycott the rally tomorrow as we view the rally to be no more than a cheap media stunt to promote the Greens and its political opportunism” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for SJN. “We note here that the Greens senator is the only politician invited to speak at the rally. We also note that the list of organisations endorsing the rally have every Greens local group on it, with no other political endorsement of other political parties or organisations supporting refugees rights”
“We will have no problem to give the Greens space to outline to Australians and protestors the practical steps taken by the Greens to end the attack on the refugees and asylum seekers. But instead, the rally will give a platform for the Greens senator to vend more lies about the Greens declared policies on these issues”
We note that there is big difference between policies and politics. The Greens currently have huge influence on the Labor’s decision, if they were genuine to enforce change of current Labor politics. The Greens in fact a partner in this minority government and with one call from Bob Brown or Sarah Hanson-Young to Julia Gillard, they can in fact enforce total change of current politics. The Greens can demand abandoning of Malaysian solution and all harsh Labor policies, if Julia wants to continue governing the country.
Without Adam Bandit, the minority government will collapse and fresh election will be called. The Labor definitely is not ready for such election and will definitely budge to such demands. The government could refuse or resist demands of sole independent MP, Andrew Willkie, when he demanded dramatic changes to big and influential pokies industry. The Greens should follow the footsteps of Andrew Willkie.
The SJN calls on all community members to ignore the rally tomorrow, such rally that wants to give the Greens progressive blanket they do not deserve. We believe that progressiveness should be practical steps to achieve solutions and results, and not only a set of code words.
We, as a group that fights on the frontline for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, cannot endorse a rally that aims to deceive masses and give them misleading sense of comfort that there are politicians inside the parliament defending these rights. The Greens, as part of minority government that persecute asylum seekers and refugees, became part of the problem and not part of any solution.
When the Greens take any practical step to stop the asylum seekers persecution, we will be the first to promote these steps to be progressive and things to be praised and promoted. But for now, the Greens should be condemned for making this highly humanitarian issue an issue for electoral gains.
We should also note that we, in the SJN, were ahead of Tony Abbot to demand practical steps from the Greens to stop the Labor’s attack on refugees and asylum seekers rights.
Instead of participating in the media circus and stunt tomorrow, the SJN will continue to take practical steps to highlight the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Friday, June 3, 2011
Malaysian solution could and should be killed by the Greens
While the devastating impacts of the Malaysian deal to ship asylum seekers between Malaysia and Australia are well known, we are disappointing of comments and actions by many so-called pro-refugees activists. The activists are calling on wide range of sides to the debate to stop the deal from going ahead, but ignoring to demand the Greens to take decisive and practical action to stop this horrific deal.
“Some pro-refugees activists, who are mainly either open or subtle Greens members, are cowardly demanding actions from Malaysian parliament, UNHCR, Labor party or even the Liberals to kill the deal, but stop short of demand the same from the Greens” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “These activists know very well that the Greens is in the position to kill this deal almost immediately”.
The Greens politicians need to stop their campaign of lies and deceptions by calling on the Labor government to abandon the deal, while they are part of this minority government, one way or other. The Greens is equally responsible of all gross human rights abuses the asylum seekers could suffer if the deal goes ahead.
“It is shameful to see the Greens lagging behind the Liberals in demanding to kill this deal, on human rights basis. While we know that the Liberals are trying to squeeze the government in the corner mainly for political scoring reasons, we understand that the Greens has the ultimate power to kill this deal and preserve Australian reputation as country that respects basic human rights”
“It is deeply alarming that the Greens is resorting to the cheap “numbers’ game” when dealing with this highly humanitarian issue. The Greens allegation that they do not have enough politicians in the parliament to kill the deal is not more than a cheap lie. The Greens sole MP, Adam Bandit, could kill the government altogether if the Labor insists to go ahead with its highly regressive and highly inhumane policies. On the other hands, if the record numbers of Greens politicians in Federal parliament is not enough to kill this issue that was opposed by all opposition politicians, would not this send clear signal to voters that voting for the Greens is not more than a waste of vote?!”
The SJN condemns the cowardnece of the so-called pro-refugees activists who stop short of naming and targeting the Greens to enforce them to act to end highly inhumane practices. These activists are in fact serving Greens interests to grab more power but not serving the interests of asylum seekers or to strengthen the real Multiculturalism.
If these activists are seriously concerned about the devastating impact of this deal, they should target the Greens to honor their pre-election commitments. These activists should start target Greens politicians by all means to enforce them to kill this deal, even if it would mean killing the government. We may start organizing such campaigns and possibly rallies outside Greens offices.
On the other hand, we will make sure that voters know about these coward action of the Greens in the next election.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
“Some pro-refugees activists, who are mainly either open or subtle Greens members, are cowardly demanding actions from Malaysian parliament, UNHCR, Labor party or even the Liberals to kill the deal, but stop short of demand the same from the Greens” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for Social Justice Network. “These activists know very well that the Greens is in the position to kill this deal almost immediately”.
The Greens politicians need to stop their campaign of lies and deceptions by calling on the Labor government to abandon the deal, while they are part of this minority government, one way or other. The Greens is equally responsible of all gross human rights abuses the asylum seekers could suffer if the deal goes ahead.
“It is shameful to see the Greens lagging behind the Liberals in demanding to kill this deal, on human rights basis. While we know that the Liberals are trying to squeeze the government in the corner mainly for political scoring reasons, we understand that the Greens has the ultimate power to kill this deal and preserve Australian reputation as country that respects basic human rights”
“It is deeply alarming that the Greens is resorting to the cheap “numbers’ game” when dealing with this highly humanitarian issue. The Greens allegation that they do not have enough politicians in the parliament to kill the deal is not more than a cheap lie. The Greens sole MP, Adam Bandit, could kill the government altogether if the Labor insists to go ahead with its highly regressive and highly inhumane policies. On the other hands, if the record numbers of Greens politicians in Federal parliament is not enough to kill this issue that was opposed by all opposition politicians, would not this send clear signal to voters that voting for the Greens is not more than a waste of vote?!”
The SJN condemns the cowardnece of the so-called pro-refugees activists who stop short of naming and targeting the Greens to enforce them to act to end highly inhumane practices. These activists are in fact serving Greens interests to grab more power but not serving the interests of asylum seekers or to strengthen the real Multiculturalism.
If these activists are seriously concerned about the devastating impact of this deal, they should target the Greens to honor their pre-election commitments. These activists should start target Greens politicians by all means to enforce them to kill this deal, even if it would mean killing the government. We may start organizing such campaigns and possibly rallies outside Greens offices.
On the other hand, we will make sure that voters know about these coward action of the Greens in the next election.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Social Justice Network condemns the Israeli killing of Palestinian peaceful protestors
The Social Justice Network condemns in the strongest words the Israeli killings of dozens of Palestinian demonstrators while demonstrating to mark the 63 rd anniversary of Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) day. The demonstrators who were peaceful and unarmed were killed in cold blood by Israeli army when they tried to march to the border of historical Palestine demanding their right of return to their homeland, as per international conventions and resolutions.
“The world has watched yesterday how Israeli army killed in cold blood dozens of peaceful protestors demanding basic rights of return to homeland. The rights is guaranteed under UN resolution 194 and many articles in the Universal Human Rights Declaration, 1948” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “Yet, the “Free World” of “Western Democracies” failed to rise up and demand Israel to honour international law and resolutions”.
“We see the Western democracies’ double standard here. These democracies were quick to condemn Libyan regime for oppressing its own people and were quick to impose sanctions and no-fly zone, including NATO bombing of Libyan cities. But when Israel is killing dozens of unarmed protestors and deny refugees from returning to their homeland, these democracies are silent, if not supporting Israeli illegal and criminal actions”
Israel is blocking the return of more than 7 millions Palestinian refugees from returning to their villages, towns and cities. The western democracies, including Australian government and all opposition parties in Federal parliament, are keeping blind eye on these gross violations to human rights.
Yesterday, the SJN with many community members sent strong message of support for the Palestinian refugees’ demands to be allowed back to their homeland when they held vigil outside the American consulate in Sydney. The network is discussing with other community organizations and organizations concerned about human rights to take further actions to condemn the latest Israeli killing of peaceful demonstrators.
The network hold Israel and its allies of Western democracies the full responsibility of the latest violence and bloodshed. This violence and bloodshed that could intensify the cycle of violence in the Middle East and neighbouring regions.
To stop this vicious cycle of violence, Israel should stop being treated as above-the-law state. For the last 63 years, Israel was never held accountable for the crimes it committed. Despite many international reports of Israeli crimes, no actions were taken to discipline Israel and hold its leaders accountable for these crimes. Australians politicians, especially the ones claim to be progressive, should start demanding actions against Israeli crimes. These actions should include sanctions against Israel and suspending diplomatic and economic ties.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
“The world has watched yesterday how Israeli army killed in cold blood dozens of peaceful protestors demanding basic rights of return to homeland. The rights is guaranteed under UN resolution 194 and many articles in the Universal Human Rights Declaration, 1948” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “Yet, the “Free World” of “Western Democracies” failed to rise up and demand Israel to honour international law and resolutions”.
“We see the Western democracies’ double standard here. These democracies were quick to condemn Libyan regime for oppressing its own people and were quick to impose sanctions and no-fly zone, including NATO bombing of Libyan cities. But when Israel is killing dozens of unarmed protestors and deny refugees from returning to their homeland, these democracies are silent, if not supporting Israeli illegal and criminal actions”
Israel is blocking the return of more than 7 millions Palestinian refugees from returning to their villages, towns and cities. The western democracies, including Australian government and all opposition parties in Federal parliament, are keeping blind eye on these gross violations to human rights.
Yesterday, the SJN with many community members sent strong message of support for the Palestinian refugees’ demands to be allowed back to their homeland when they held vigil outside the American consulate in Sydney. The network is discussing with other community organizations and organizations concerned about human rights to take further actions to condemn the latest Israeli killing of peaceful demonstrators.
The network hold Israel and its allies of Western democracies the full responsibility of the latest violence and bloodshed. This violence and bloodshed that could intensify the cycle of violence in the Middle East and neighbouring regions.
To stop this vicious cycle of violence, Israel should stop being treated as above-the-law state. For the last 63 years, Israel was never held accountable for the crimes it committed. Despite many international reports of Israeli crimes, no actions were taken to discipline Israel and hold its leaders accountable for these crimes. Australians politicians, especially the ones claim to be progressive, should start demanding actions against Israeli crimes. These actions should include sanctions against Israel and suspending diplomatic and economic ties.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
13 May 2011
Vigil to commemorate 63rd anniversary of Palestinian Nakba: SJN supports the Palestinian refugees’ rights to return to their homeland
The Social Justice Network has called for a vigil to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, 15 May 1948. The Israeli occupation resulted in destroying hundreds of villages, towns and neighborhoods and created more than 750,000 refugees. To date, the Israeli authorities are refusing to accept implementing UN resolutions to allow millions of Palestinian refugees returning to their homeland.
“The SJN called the vigil as response to the many calls from Palestinian organisations to organise mass walk of Palestinian refugees to the borders of Palestine with its neighbouring countries” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “It is expected that millions of Palestinian refugees and thousands of international supporters will arrive to the borders of historical Palestine with neighboring countries on Sunday 15 May 2011”
The masses will demand that Israel should allow their return to their homeland immediately. UN resolution 194 calls on Israeli authorities to facilitate the immediate return of Palestinian refugees to their villages, towns and cities.
The Palestinian refugees are inspired by the successful revolutions by Arab nations against the dictatorships. They are hoping that the walk of millions of refugees to the borders and their protest of the millions for days there will enforce Israeli occupation authorities to allow them to return to their homeland. It will at least highlight the plight of the Palestinian refugees, which lasts for 63 years now.
The SJN hopes to send strong message of support for the Palestinian refugees’ demands to allow them back to their homeland, as per UN resolutions. The SJN also hopes to send strong message to the Australian politicians that their blind support of Israel is not acceptable anymore.
The vigil will be the first activity the network is intending to organise or participate in. In the next few weeks we will announce the further steps we will take to increase the Australian awareness of this highly humanitarian issue. We will announce about them in due time.
The vigil will be next Sunday 15 May 2011, from 2 – 4 pm outside the American Consulate in Sydney – Martin Place. The SJN decided to hold the vigil outside the American Consulate in protest of continued American blind support of Israeli aggressions and wars.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
The Social Justice Network has called for a vigil to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, 15 May 1948. The Israeli occupation resulted in destroying hundreds of villages, towns and neighborhoods and created more than 750,000 refugees. To date, the Israeli authorities are refusing to accept implementing UN resolutions to allow millions of Palestinian refugees returning to their homeland.
“The SJN called the vigil as response to the many calls from Palestinian organisations to organise mass walk of Palestinian refugees to the borders of Palestine with its neighbouring countries” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson of SJN. “It is expected that millions of Palestinian refugees and thousands of international supporters will arrive to the borders of historical Palestine with neighboring countries on Sunday 15 May 2011”
The masses will demand that Israel should allow their return to their homeland immediately. UN resolution 194 calls on Israeli authorities to facilitate the immediate return of Palestinian refugees to their villages, towns and cities.
The Palestinian refugees are inspired by the successful revolutions by Arab nations against the dictatorships. They are hoping that the walk of millions of refugees to the borders and their protest of the millions for days there will enforce Israeli occupation authorities to allow them to return to their homeland. It will at least highlight the plight of the Palestinian refugees, which lasts for 63 years now.
The SJN hopes to send strong message of support for the Palestinian refugees’ demands to allow them back to their homeland, as per UN resolutions. The SJN also hopes to send strong message to the Australian politicians that their blind support of Israel is not acceptable anymore.
The vigil will be the first activity the network is intending to organise or participate in. In the next few weeks we will announce the further steps we will take to increase the Australian awareness of this highly humanitarian issue. We will announce about them in due time.
The vigil will be next Sunday 15 May 2011, from 2 – 4 pm outside the American Consulate in Sydney – Martin Place. The SJN decided to hold the vigil outside the American Consulate in protest of continued American blind support of Israeli aggressions and wars.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Labor-Greens government is responsible for riots in Villawood
The Social Justice Network has warned for long time of expected wide spread riots in detention centres if the current Labor-Greens coalition government continues with its regressive politics. The coalition government was sending conflicting signals in different directions. The Labor was selling itself as tough government on boat arrivals to stop “people smuggling activities”. While the smaller partner, the Greens, was selling empty rhetoric about the need for more humane approach. The Greens did not give one principled vision on how to deal with this highly humanitarian issue.
At last night’s ABC Lateline, the Greens joined both the Labor and the Liberals to condemn and blame the detainees for their “violent” actions that will “cost tax-payers a lot of money”. The Greens also retreated from their election promises to work on totally abolishing of the mandatory detention system to replace it with demands to cosmetically make the system looks like prettier and less inhumane.
“The Greens senator and spokesperson on the issue rightly pointed to the fact that the continued detention of thousands of asylum seekers for indefinite periods and the vague process of the rejected applications had caused desperate asylum seekers to riot inside detention centers” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for the SJN. “But she did not give any practical steps taken by her Greens party to enforce the Labor to change these inhumane practices that causes huge losses of tax-payers money”
“Ms Hanson - Young failed to answer question about her party’s practical commitment to honour its policy on working towards abolishing mandatory detention system. From Ms Hanson - Young indications, we understood that the Greens supports convicting desperate asylum seekers for their desperate actions”
“We understand that abolishing mandatory detention system should include dismantling detention centres, including Villawood detention centre”
“It is alarming that the former Liberal PM, Malcolm Fraser, supports dismantling the “hell-holes”, when the Labor-Greens coalition government is moving to prosecute the people who work to dismantle them”.
“The citizens who voted to the Greens in the last elections on perception that they will work to dismantle this inhumane system need some explanations form the Greens officials. These voters need to hear from the Greens why they were very effective to enforce Labor to change its position on many important issues, like introducing Carbon Tax and considering changing the constitution on marriage definition to introduce same-sex marriage, but they are unable to change Labor’s position on mandatory detention issues”
“We deeply believe that the Greens is enjoying the crisis in detention system. Such crisis that depletes the Labor from progressive votes for the Greens benefits”.
The Social Justice Network supports any attempts to dismantle the mandatory detention system. This includes supporting any attempts to dismantle any of the “hell-holes”, including Viallwood DC. If the Labor-Greens coalition has deep concerns about tax-payers money, they should work quickly to dismantle this system that causes waste of millions of dollars every year.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
At last night’s ABC Lateline, the Greens joined both the Labor and the Liberals to condemn and blame the detainees for their “violent” actions that will “cost tax-payers a lot of money”. The Greens also retreated from their election promises to work on totally abolishing of the mandatory detention system to replace it with demands to cosmetically make the system looks like prettier and less inhumane.
“The Greens senator and spokesperson on the issue rightly pointed to the fact that the continued detention of thousands of asylum seekers for indefinite periods and the vague process of the rejected applications had caused desperate asylum seekers to riot inside detention centers” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for the SJN. “But she did not give any practical steps taken by her Greens party to enforce the Labor to change these inhumane practices that causes huge losses of tax-payers money”
“Ms Hanson - Young failed to answer question about her party’s practical commitment to honour its policy on working towards abolishing mandatory detention system. From Ms Hanson - Young indications, we understood that the Greens supports convicting desperate asylum seekers for their desperate actions”
“We understand that abolishing mandatory detention system should include dismantling detention centres, including Villawood detention centre”
“It is alarming that the former Liberal PM, Malcolm Fraser, supports dismantling the “hell-holes”, when the Labor-Greens coalition government is moving to prosecute the people who work to dismantle them”.
“The citizens who voted to the Greens in the last elections on perception that they will work to dismantle this inhumane system need some explanations form the Greens officials. These voters need to hear from the Greens why they were very effective to enforce Labor to change its position on many important issues, like introducing Carbon Tax and considering changing the constitution on marriage definition to introduce same-sex marriage, but they are unable to change Labor’s position on mandatory detention issues”
“We deeply believe that the Greens is enjoying the crisis in detention system. Such crisis that depletes the Labor from progressive votes for the Greens benefits”.
The Social Justice Network supports any attempts to dismantle the mandatory detention system. This includes supporting any attempts to dismantle any of the “hell-holes”, including Viallwood DC. If the Labor-Greens coalition has deep concerns about tax-payers money, they should work quickly to dismantle this system that causes waste of millions of dollars every year.
For media contact, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272
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