ReliefWeb

The peak body for Australia’s aid organisations is today calling on the Australian Government to fast track planned increases to our nation’s refugee intake.

“ACFID members have been at the forefront of assisting refugees from Syria since the conflict began,” said the executive director of the Australian Council for International Development, Mr Marc Purcell.

"We are encouraged by the Prime Minister’s openness to assist Syrian refugees and this commitment should be underwritten by a quick and substantial increase in Australia’s humanitarian program,” said Mr Purcell.

“We propose that the Government lift Australia’s refugee intake by first bringing forward its 2018-19 planned increase to 18,750 refugee places to this year, and lift its intake in 2016-17 to 20,000. This would be a vital increase from the current 13,750 refugee places.

“Openness to taking more Syrian refugees cannot be at the expense of places for refugees seeking asylum from other countries.

“It is important to remember that the world is facing record levels of displacement with the United Nations estimating that over 60 million people are currently displaced and in need of assistance.

“We only have to look at the plight of the Rohingya refugees from Burma to realise that this year an increase in the overall humanitarian intake is imperative.

“ACFID would also welcome an increase in Australian funding for the UNHCR. We believe a substantial increase in funding is required given the enormity of the refugee crisis,” Mr Purcell said.