Manus and Nauru Refugee resettlement welcome, but more to do

The Green Party welcomes the long overdue deal to resettle 150 refugees held unlawfully in Australia’s prison islands here in Aotearoa - but says the resettlement should be in addition to the existing refugee quota.

“Today we celebrate New Zealand as a place where fairness and compassion prevails,” says Green Party Human Rights and Refugee spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman.

“We thank all the activists, community groups, and human rights defenders on both sides of the Tasman, who pushed and will continue to push for freedom of the refugees trapped on Manus Island and Nauru. You have demonstrated the strength of our common human spirit.

“People escaping war, torture and persecution based on their religion, race, and political activism deserve a place to call home. They deserve protection but for so long have been denied their rights. By treating refugees with compassion and dignity, we give them the best chance to rebuild their lives in our communities.

“While we are delighted that Aotearoa New Zealand’s long-standing offer to resettle refugees from Australia is finally being fulfilled, it is only happening within our annual intake of 1500 refugees.

“The Green Party is calling on the Government to resettle refugees from Manus and Nauru in addition to the existing quota. We should do everything we can to protect people seeking safety and provide every opportunity for them to rebuild their lives where it’s safe.

“New Zealand’s refugee quota has not been filled for two years now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Extending the offer to resettle refugees and ensuring the quota can be met in full is an important way we can acknowledge the worsening plight of refugees in Ukraine and Afghanistan.

“We welcome wholeheartedly the refugees preparing to travel to Aotearoa from Manus and Nauru. We know it has been a heart-breaking journey. Know that you will soon be free, your humanity will be recognised, and you will have a safe home to put down roots.”

ENDS

Latest Human Rights Announcements

Story

Green MPs sponsor Iranian protests at risk of execution

Green Party MPs have joined politicians from across Europe to sponsor political prisoners detained in Iran during the recent protests - and urges M...
Read More

Story

Disability assist dogs now protected in law

The Green Party has changed the law to ensure people do not face discrimination for having a disability assist dog.
Read More

Story

Greens call for government to implement all recommendations of Casey report into detention of asylum seekers

An independent review of New Zealand’s detention regime for asylum seekers has found arbitrary and abusive practices in Aotearoa’s immigration law,...
Read More

Story

HRC housing inquiry confirms need for rental WOF

The Human Rights Commission inquiry into housing quality confirms what the Green Party has been calling for - a rental Warrant of Fitness and a reg...
Read More

Story

Greens celebrate historic day for Rainbow communities

The Greens are celebrating conversion practices finally being banned in Aotearoa New Zealand, following the third reading of the Conversion Practic...
Read More

Story

Disability-assist dog Bill to have first reading today

After being delayed due to lockdown, Ricardo Menéndez March’s Members Bill to ensure that disabled New Zealanders do not face discrimination for ha...
Read More

Latest Refugees Announcements

Story

Mass arrivals legislation a breach of NZ’s values

The Government’s decision to introduce ‘mass arrivals’ legislation goes against the values we all share of Aotearoa as a place where all people are...
Read More

Story

Govt must reunite Afghan refugees with their families

The Green Party is once again calling on the Government to support victims of war, oppression, and violence to reunite with their families and put ...
Read More

Story

Greens call on new Minister to make up for the refugee support not provided during pandemic

On World Refugee Day, the Green Party is calling on the new Minister for Immigration, Michael Wood to make up for the support that was not provided...
Read More

Story

Greens call for government to implement all recommendations of Casey report into detention of asylum seekers

An independent review of New Zealand’s detention regime for asylum seekers has found arbitrary and abusive practices in Aotearoa’s immigration law,...
Read More

Story

March 15 House statement by Golriz Ghahraman

Al Salaam Aleykum. We remember the day three years ago, when our nation’s heart was broken. My heart was broken.
Read More

Story

Re-starting refugee resettlement is the right thing to do

The Green Party welcomes the announcement by Immigration New Zealand to re-start the refugee resettlement programme.
Read More