DASSAN - Darwin Asylum Seeker Support and Advocacy Network - DASSAN - Darwin Asylum Seekers Support and Advocacy Network

Welcome to the Darwin Asylum Seeker Support and Advocacy Network
We support and advocate for asylum seekers in detention in Darwin and beyond.
All people who support Asylum Seekers are welcome to join us.

DASSAN BLOG

Darwin Easter convergence 2012 FREE THE REFUGEES!

Amnesty International Australia Detention Facilities Visit 2012
Findings and Recommendations

Click HERE to ask Minister Bowen to get vulnerable children, families and long-term detainees out of detention right now.

_UN High Commissioner for Refugees: Address to the Lowy Institute, Sydney, 14 February 2012

"...I am aware that the maritime movement of people in dangerous boat journeys is a problem that preoccupies many governments in this region, including your own. I know that boat arrivals have been the subject of intense debate in Australia, including the possibility of ‘off-shore processing’ and a proposed transfer arrangement with Malaysia.
Compared to the refugee problems in other regions of the world, it is my belief that this debate has been very politicized and is out of proportion in relation to the real dimension of the issue, as the numbers of people coming to Australia are small by global standards.
This is why UNHCR has always been advocating for countries to grant access to their territory for people in need of protection, no matter how they arrive, and to ensure a fair treatment of their asylum claims..."
(Full Report Here)

DASSAN Gives Evidence to Parliamentary Committee on Australia’s Immigration Detention

Network Representatives of DASSAN on 26 September appeared before the Joint Select Committee on Australia's Immigration Detention Network. DASSAN told the Committee, which includes Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young and Shadow Minister for Immigration Scott Morrison, that its members regularly visit people in detention who are suffering from serious depression and other mental illnesses as a result of prolonged indefinite mandatory detention. DASSAN urged the Committee to recognise that mandatory detention is inherently harmful and that processing asylum seekers in the community is a more cost-effective and humane policy.

The Committee was told that DIAC and SERCO are failing the approximately 800 asylum seekers detained in Darwin by not providing adequate mental health services and recreational activities within the detention centres. DASSAN also expressed its concern that the current problems at the Northern Immigration Detention Centre will be compounded by the imminent opening of the detention centre at Wickham Point, which is located 35km south-east of Darwin and has previously been found to be unfit for human habitation due to a severe and unbearable insect problem and a moderate risk of Ross River virus.

The Committee is conducting an comprehensive inquiry into Australia's Immigration Detention Network, including its management, resourcing, potential expansion, possible alternative solutions, the Government's detention values, and the effect of detention on detainees. The Committee is expected to report by March 2012.

find DASSAN's submission here

NEWS FLASH!

Amnesty reports detention centre horror stories

By Kristy O'Brien and Jane Bardon (ABC News)

...Amnesty International refugee coordinator Dr Graham Thom says detainees have told harrowing stories about their friends attempting self-harm, as well as a widespread dependence on medication....
(FULL STORY HERE)

DASSAN Press Release
23rd February 2012

Another Day, Another Suicide Attempt in a Darwin Detention Centre

The Darwin Asylum Seeker Support and Advocacy Network has been informed that an Iranian man attempted suicide today at the Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC)...

...The North 2 compound on NIDC is a living hell for those inside and an urgent review needs to be undertaken...

"Today Amnesty International described NIDC as not being appropriate for detaining asylum seekers...

...If the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship does not act soon to close NIDC there will be a death inside there."

For media comment - Fernanda Dalstrom, DASSAN: 0415 184 856.

FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE!

Thank you !

All of DASSAN's work is done by volunteers and there are a bunch of amazing people who have worked incredibly hard over the past year. Special thanks to Carl, Rohan, Al, Beth, Kirsty, Fernanda, Emma, Cat, Tim, Hayley, Zac, Habib and David.

Many organisations support our work as well - in particular thank you to:
Jane and Joan at Red Cross, Melalueca Refugee Centre, DCLS, NT Working Women's Centre, NTCOSS, Viva La Body, The Groove, The Railway Club, Bishop Hurley and the Catholic Diocese, Nightcliff Uniting Church, Darwin Uniting Church, My Sisters Kitchen, John Toohey Chambers, MyNT, MCNT, SVDP, ASRC, ASCI, ChilOut, Volunteering SA/NT, NAPCAN, Delaney's and Officeworks

and of course all of you!! who visit, write letters to people in detention, politicians and newspapers, talk to people about this issue, come to public events and do so much more.

thank you !!