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Let Them Stay: protesters gather around Australia to prevent removal of asylum seekers – live Let Them Stay: protesters gather around Australia to prevent removal of asylum seekers – live
(35 minutes later)
8.23am GMT
08:23
Paul Karp is still at the sit-in outside Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth office. He spoke to People Just Like Us co -chair Joyce Fu, who says the group will stay until Malcolm Turnbull makes an announcement that the 267 asylum seekers can stay. If and when he makes that announcement, the protest will finish. Until then they’ll stay put “as long as we can”.
Here’s Paul:
She’s counting on reinforcements from Love Makes a Way and Grandmas Against Children in Detention and church groups. But it’s pretty lonely on the wind swept corner of New South Head Road and Edgecliffe Road where numbers are down to half a dozen.
Earlier, he spoke to the group’s other co-chair, Fabina Claridge. She said:
Today we are here to have a vigil to protest to say “let them stay”: the children, families, brothers sons and husbands...even the single men are someone’s brothers and sons. They should be allowed to stay, they’ve suffered enough at out hands.
There have been protests today to keep pressure up on politicians. It’s a sad day not just for asylum seekers and freedom in Australia but our court system which has allowed children and vulnerable young people to be sent back to Nauru.
8.15am GMT
08:15
In another development from Melbourne, Luke Hilakari, the secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, has announced that Trades Hall in Melbourne will open as a refuge for refugees.
This is Trades Hall. Cnr Lygon & Victoria St Melbourne. Refugees seeking sanctuary are welcome here #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/9UxpGxd3ql
Other union officials confirmed.
NTEU Sec Colin Long: Trades Hall will be a refuge for refugees #LetThemStay
It’s not clear how this would work - unlike the churches that have pledged to open their doors, Trades Hall does not have a historic power of sanctuary. Even churches may legal protection to provide sanctuary in Australia - the law has never been tested - but the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, after reminding people of this fact, confirmed earlier today that the government would not be “dragging people from churches”.
8.06am GMT
08:06
In another quick reminder that the world is watching to see Australia’s response to this latest chapter in its rather awful treatment of asylum seekers, here is part of the statement the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rupert Colville, made after the High Court handed down its decision yesterday.
Central to the decision was a retrospective amendment to the Migration Act which was passed by the Australian Parliament shortly after the case was initiated and which validated the offshore processing of asylum seekers. We are concerned that this amendment, as well as broader aspects of Australia’s policy on the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers arriving without prior authorisation, significantly contravenes the letter and spirit of international human rights law.
Another reminder: the group in question, 267 people, includes 37 children born in Australia and more than 12 women and at least one child, a five-year-old boy, who have allegedly been raped on Nauru.
Colville again:
We believe that transferring these 267 individuals to Nauru could further damage their physical and mental health, and would put Australia at risk of breaching its obligation not to return any person to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under the Convention against Torture. Moreover, sending these children to Nauru could contravene Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We remind Australia that children, regardless of their legal status, have the right to be treated as children first and foremost, and urge Australia to ensure that the principle of the best interests of the child takes precedence over migration management or administrative considerations.
(...)
We therefore urge the Australian Government to refrain from transferring all concerned individuals to Nauru.
7.52am GMT
07:52
Getting reports that the rally in Melbourne, which began at the State Library on Swanston Street, has stopped trams and became a sit-in.
Bourke st at standstill for the #LetThemStay call to #auspol Free the Refugees NOW!!! pic.twitter.com/OhcMerGrgT
Sit down protest bourke and exhibition #LetThemStay #melbourne pic.twitter.com/Q9t6MfSZ2x
According to comedian and trainee human rights lawyer Corrine Grant the sit-in has taken over the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets, near the Liberal Party headquarters. She reports that “thousands of people” are still arriving and joining in.
Crowd for Melbourne #LetThemStay is massive. Stretching down bourke from exhibition to swanston.
Massive sit in right on the intersection of Bourke and Exhibition near Lib headquarters. 1000's still pouring in from Swanston #LetThemStay
7.38am GMT7.38am GMT
07:3807:38
Paul KarpPaul Karp
Pakistani-born NSW Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi spoke to Guardian Australia outside electoral office:Pakistani-born NSW Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi spoke to Guardian Australia outside electoral office:
People are here today to give a loud and clear message to Malcolm Turnbull that if he has any vestige of decency and compassion in him he must rule out sending people - women, men, children, babies - back to the prison jails of Nauru.People are here today to give a loud and clear message to Malcolm Turnbull that if he has any vestige of decency and compassion in him he must rule out sending people - women, men, children, babies - back to the prison jails of Nauru.
It was incredible to see hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered today. According to international law Australia must provide safety for asylum seekers. But what the Lib-Nat govt and ALP have done is condemn asylum seekers to a life of persecution in the countries they are fleeing or the horror and abuse in offshore detention centres. What the community said today is they will not back down they will not rest until Australia changes its laws from the cruel and inhumane to one’s that provide safety for refugees.It was incredible to see hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered today. According to international law Australia must provide safety for asylum seekers. But what the Lib-Nat govt and ALP have done is condemn asylum seekers to a life of persecution in the countries they are fleeing or the horror and abuse in offshore detention centres. What the community said today is they will not back down they will not rest until Australia changes its laws from the cruel and inhumane to one’s that provide safety for refugees.
7.35am GMT7.35am GMT
07:3507:35
My colleague, Paul Karp, is at a sit-in (well, stand-in, currently) outside the prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth electorate office in Sydney.My colleague, Paul Karp, is at a sit-in (well, stand-in, currently) outside the prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Wentworth electorate office in Sydney.
'People Just Like Us' and @MehreenFaruqi at Turnbull's Wentworth electorate office #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/ckCH72wOrD'People Just Like Us' and @MehreenFaruqi at Turnbull's Wentworth electorate office #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/ckCH72wOrD
Co-ordinated by group People Just Like Us, the protesters plan to stay put until Turnbull confirm the 267 people currently forcing deportation can stay in Australia. This is from co-convener Joyce Fu:Co-ordinated by group People Just Like Us, the protesters plan to stay put until Turnbull confirm the 267 people currently forcing deportation can stay in Australia. This is from co-convener Joyce Fu:
We invite you all to come, stay, and keep coming until our demand is met. Come with your placards and banners. Bring food, water, wet-weather gear, tents, and sleeping bags. Be prepared to stick around.We invite you all to come, stay, and keep coming until our demand is met. Come with your placards and banners. Bring food, water, wet-weather gear, tents, and sleeping bags. Be prepared to stick around.
You can follow along or offer support here.You can follow along or offer support here.
7.23am GMT7.23am GMT
07:2307:23
Hello, Calla Wahlquist here taking over from Elle Hunt. I’m on the lawn next to the Melbourne #LetThemStay rally at the State Library of Victoria and it is LOUD. More than 5,000 people chanting “Let them stay” will do that.Hello, Calla Wahlquist here taking over from Elle Hunt. I’m on the lawn next to the Melbourne #LetThemStay rally at the State Library of Victoria and it is LOUD. More than 5,000 people chanting “Let them stay” will do that.
Do send me your stories from rallies around Australia on twitter @callapilla.Do send me your stories from rallies around Australia on twitter @callapilla.
While the Melbourne crowd is enormous, there are smaller rallies taking place in Adelaide, Bendigo, and Newcastle at the same time.While the Melbourne crowd is enormous, there are smaller rallies taking place in Adelaide, Bendigo, and Newcastle at the same time.
In Adelaide, where Reverend Sandy Boyce, Deacon of Pilgrim Uniting Church, told the Adelaide Advertiser she was prepared to be jailed to provide sanctuary for refugees who faced being sent back to Nauru, several hundred people have gathered on the steps of Parliament house. A second rally is planned for Rundle Mall at 4pm Friday.In Adelaide, where Reverend Sandy Boyce, Deacon of Pilgrim Uniting Church, told the Adelaide Advertiser she was prepared to be jailed to provide sanctuary for refugees who faced being sent back to Nauru, several hundred people have gathered on the steps of Parliament house. A second rally is planned for Rundle Mall at 4pm Friday.
#LetThemStay Parliament House #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/UoMdpuxbTy#LetThemStay Parliament House #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/UoMdpuxbTy
At the Adelaide rally #letthemstay pic.twitter.com/D3aDp8xjzGAt the Adelaide rally #letthemstay pic.twitter.com/D3aDp8xjzG
Bendigo and Newcastle both have slightly smaller crowds, but then they are slightly smaller cities. Protesters in Newcastle braved the rain to protest the possible deportation of 37 babies and their families, while protesters lined Bendigo’s Rosalind Park.Bendigo and Newcastle both have slightly smaller crowds, but then they are slightly smaller cities. Protesters in Newcastle braved the rain to protest the possible deportation of 37 babies and their families, while protesters lined Bendigo’s Rosalind Park.
Good early turn out & lots of traffic tooting support for #Bendigo #LetThemStay @vanbadham @Kon__K @HelpRefugeesOZ pic.twitter.com/S9W3TIZQxQGood early turn out & lots of traffic tooting support for #Bendigo #LetThemStay @vanbadham @Kon__K @HelpRefugeesOZ pic.twitter.com/S9W3TIZQxQ
Torturing children is not a solution #LetThemStay #Newcastle https://t.co/u7x0ufRcPLTorturing children is not a solution #LetThemStay #Newcastle https://t.co/u7x0ufRcPL
Victoria Jack, whose tweet we included above, spoke to the Newcastle Herald ahead of this afternoon’s rally:Victoria Jack, whose tweet we included above, spoke to the Newcastle Herald ahead of this afternoon’s rally:
“When it comes to kids, people are united. There’s momentum building.“When it comes to kids, people are united. There’s momentum building.
“Unfortunately, [offshore processing] seems to be one of the reasons the government was elected. And I think that gives it strength, that bipartisanship.”“Unfortunately, [offshore processing] seems to be one of the reasons the government was elected. And I think that gives it strength, that bipartisanship.”
You can read that full story here.You can read that full story here.
7.05am GMT7.05am GMT
07:0507:05
While the Melbourne crowd protesting deportation of asylum seekers is in the thousands, the turn-out in Canberra has fairly quickly swelled to 300, according to my colleague Shalailah Medhora – about the same size as that which marched in Sydney after noon.While the Melbourne crowd protesting deportation of asylum seekers is in the thousands, the turn-out in Canberra has fairly quickly swelled to 300, according to my colleague Shalailah Medhora – about the same size as that which marched in Sydney after noon.
Ex Labor ACT chief min John Stanhope laments ALP's stance on refugees during #LetThemStay rally to cries of "shame!" pic.twitter.com/Rk7pTwh7DYEx Labor ACT chief min John Stanhope laments ALP's stance on refugees during #LetThemStay rally to cries of "shame!" pic.twitter.com/Rk7pTwh7DY
Crowd at Canberra #LetThemStay rally swells to 300. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/3htnBhb29YCrowd at Canberra #LetThemStay rally swells to 300. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/3htnBhb29Y
I am handing over the live blog to my colleague in Melbourne, Calla Wahlquist, who tweets at @callapilla, if you’d like to share with her your experiences of the protests this evening.I am handing over the live blog to my colleague in Melbourne, Calla Wahlquist, who tweets at @callapilla, if you’d like to share with her your experiences of the protests this evening.
Thanks for following along during the day. We’ll have more coverage of the high court’s ruling and the reaction to it on Guardian Australia in the coming days – and, doubtless, weeks.Thanks for following along during the day. We’ll have more coverage of the high court’s ruling and the reaction to it on Guardian Australia in the coming days – and, doubtless, weeks.
7.00am GMT7.00am GMT
07:0007:00
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
Andrew Baker, Brittany Attard, Margot Williams, Kristy Anderson and Trish Phillips. #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/dsRGjXNh4yAndrew Baker, Brittany Attard, Margot Williams, Kristy Anderson and Trish Phillips. #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/dsRGjXNh4y
Andrew Baker holds a picture of daughter instead of a protest sign.Andrew Baker holds a picture of daughter instead of a protest sign.
“She is six. I don’t think any children should be in detention,” he said.“She is six. I don’t think any children should be in detention,” he said.
“The past three years she has helped wrap presents for children in detention. It just makes me so sad that there are children just like her in detention.”“The past three years she has helped wrap presents for children in detention. It just makes me so sad that there are children just like her in detention.”
Brittany Attard is at the protest by accident - she arrived at the State Library in Melbourne for a quiet afternoon reading her book, saw the gathering crowd, and got swept up.Brittany Attard is at the protest by accident - she arrived at the State Library in Melbourne for a quiet afternoon reading her book, saw the gathering crowd, and got swept up.
“Someone handed me a sign and I am holding it proudly,” she said.“Someone handed me a sign and I am holding it proudly,” she said.
Margot Williams, Kristy Anderson and Trish Phillips are old hands at campaigning for the humane treatment of Australian refugees. All three work with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne, and described Turnbull’s response to the issue as “shameful”.Margot Williams, Kristy Anderson and Trish Phillips are old hands at campaigning for the humane treatment of Australian refugees. All three work with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne, and described Turnbull’s response to the issue as “shameful”.
“Malcolm Turnbull says that we have to keep our borders safe from 37 little babies - it’s just a disgrace.”“Malcolm Turnbull says that we have to keep our borders safe from 37 little babies - it’s just a disgrace.”
6.57am GMT6.57am GMT
06:5706:57
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
Brenna Thompson and son Joel visit families kept in community detention in Broadmeadows. #letthemstay #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/e5QUYXHE6hBrenna Thompson and son Joel visit families kept in community detention in Broadmeadows. #letthemstay #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/e5QUYXHE6h
Brenna Thompson’s son Joel is friends with children who face being returned to Nauru following Wednesday’s high court decision. The pair visit families at the Broadmeadows detention centre in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Joel is only 19 months old, but Thompson says he knows what’s going on.Brenna Thompson’s son Joel is friends with children who face being returned to Nauru following Wednesday’s high court decision. The pair visit families at the Broadmeadows detention centre in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Joel is only 19 months old, but Thompson says he knows what’s going on.
“Just after we leave often he turns to me and tells me the names of the children and even the adult, and he says ‘sad’. He picks up on what’s going on there,” she said.“Just after we leave often he turns to me and tells me the names of the children and even the adult, and he says ‘sad’. He picks up on what’s going on there,” she said.
“It’s absolutely devastating. I have sat with these parents and discussed those normal parenting issues - not being able to get babies to sleep, feeding issues. You speak to them and they are human, they are not a political issue, they are not invaders, they are well-educated, beautiful people.“It’s absolutely devastating. I have sat with these parents and discussed those normal parenting issues - not being able to get babies to sleep, feeding issues. You speak to them and they are human, they are not a political issue, they are not invaders, they are well-educated, beautiful people.
“We leave them and we look at them through the little glass panel on the door and the kids smile and wave and the parents stand there and cry. You just want to bring them with you.“We leave them and we look at them through the little glass panel on the door and the kids smile and wave and the parents stand there and cry. You just want to bring them with you.
“It’s not a political issue, they are our friends. It’s heartbreaking to think that they could be sent back.“It’s not a political issue, they are our friends. It’s heartbreaking to think that they could be sent back.
Thompson’s husband, James, summarised it thus: “It’s fucked.”Thompson’s husband, James, summarised it thus: “It’s fucked.”
“One of the babies that might be sent back, I have fed him,” he said. “I have given him his bottle. It’s just fucked.”“One of the babies that might be sent back, I have fed him,” he said. “I have given him his bottle. It’s just fucked.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.02am GMTat 7.02am GMT
6.53am GMT6.53am GMT
06:5306:53
More than 20 police on foot plus eight mounted. I'm a fan of the ponies but this seems excessive. #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/Uil6TBDZbnMore than 20 police on foot plus eight mounted. I'm a fan of the ponies but this seems excessive. #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/Uil6TBDZbn
My colleague Calla Wahlquist at the protest in Melbourne. She estimates that there’s at least 3000 people there – a significant increase on the number that made it out in Sydney, though to be fair that was in the middle of the day and worse weather – so many that she can’t see the speakers.My colleague Calla Wahlquist at the protest in Melbourne. She estimates that there’s at least 3000 people there – a significant increase on the number that made it out in Sydney, though to be fair that was in the middle of the day and worse weather – so many that she can’t see the speakers.
There’s also a fairly significant police presence, with more than 20 officers on foot plus eight mounted.There’s also a fairly significant police presence, with more than 20 officers on foot plus eight mounted.
She’s spoken to some protesters about what’s brought them out this afternoon.She’s spoken to some protesters about what’s brought them out this afternoon.
The grandmothers: Berris Falla, Christine Moffat and Dorothy Page. #letthemstay #melbourne pic.twitter.com/nN71g9FGLUThe grandmothers: Berris Falla, Christine Moffat and Dorothy Page. #letthemstay #melbourne pic.twitter.com/nN71g9FGLU
Purple-clad Berris Falla, Christine Moffat and Dorothy Page were at the epicentre of a gaggle of similarly dressed grandparents representing Grandmothers Against The Detention of Refugee Children. All joined the organisation about 12 months ago in response to reports from Nauru.Purple-clad Berris Falla, Christine Moffat and Dorothy Page were at the epicentre of a gaggle of similarly dressed grandparents representing Grandmothers Against The Detention of Refugee Children. All joined the organisation about 12 months ago in response to reports from Nauru.
“The average temperature on Nauru is 46 degrees - no children should be forced to live there,” Page said.“The average temperature on Nauru is 46 degrees - no children should be forced to live there,” Page said.
“It was a legal decision by the High Court, but Malcolm Turnbull has a moral decision not a legal decision to make.”“It was a legal decision by the High Court, but Malcolm Turnbull has a moral decision not a legal decision to make.”
Moffatt appealed to the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to think of his own grandchild Jack when deciding whether to return 37 babies born in Australia to offshore detention camps.Moffatt appealed to the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to think of his own grandchild Jack when deciding whether to return 37 babies born in Australia to offshore detention camps.
“Previously, Malcolm Turnbull has said one child in detention was one child too many. If he is true to his word he has to let them out,” she said. “He was happy to have his grandchild in the paper on the day he was elected. How would he feel to see his grandchild in detention?”“Previously, Malcolm Turnbull has said one child in detention was one child too many. If he is true to his word he has to let them out,” she said. “He was happy to have his grandchild in the paper on the day he was elected. How would he feel to see his grandchild in detention?”
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.57am GMTat 6.57am GMT
6.50am GMT6.50am GMT
06:5006:50
4-yr old Zoe's mum brought her & her siblings to Canb rally to urge the govt to #LetThemStay @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/RqnsdAgpad4-yr old Zoe's mum brought her & her siblings to Canb rally to urge the govt to #LetThemStay @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/RqnsdAgpad
6.50am GMT6.50am GMT
06:5006:50
More than 50 agencies and individuals from the child and family welfare sector in Victoria have released an open letter calling on the government “to end the indefinite detention of babies, children and their families who are seeking asylum in our country – and, as a matter of urgency, halt the transfer of families to Nauru”:More than 50 agencies and individuals from the child and family welfare sector in Victoria have released an open letter calling on the government “to end the indefinite detention of babies, children and their families who are seeking asylum in our country – and, as a matter of urgency, halt the transfer of families to Nauru”:
“The sector stands united against this policy, which causes untold harm to children and young people and is a clear breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Australia is a signatory.“The sector stands united against this policy, which causes untold harm to children and young people and is a clear breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Australia is a signatory.
“We urge Prime Minister Turnbull to show compassion by releasing children and their families into the Australian community, where they can live freely and safely, while their claim for protection is considered.”“We urge Prime Minister Turnbull to show compassion by releasing children and their families into the Australian community, where they can live freely and safely, while their claim for protection is considered.”
6.48am GMT6.48am GMT
06:4806:48
What does the high court’s ruling mean? My colleague Ben Doherty published this analysis yesterday:What does the high court’s ruling mean? My colleague Ben Doherty published this analysis yesterday:
High court decisions are not football matches: it’s not always clear who has won and by how much.High court decisions are not football matches: it’s not always clear who has won and by how much.
The full bench’s decision in M68 does uphold the government’s right to send asylum seekers to foreign countries to be detained. The court found the action is lawful under the constitution and empowered by the extraordinary breadth of a newly inserted provision in the Migration Act.The full bench’s decision in M68 does uphold the government’s right to send asylum seekers to foreign countries to be detained. The court found the action is lawful under the constitution and empowered by the extraordinary breadth of a newly inserted provision in the Migration Act.
But the court’s decision is no blank cheque. All seven judges explicitly ruled that the commonwealth can’t simply detain people offshore for as long as it likes.But the court’s decision is no blank cheque. All seven judges explicitly ruled that the commonwealth can’t simply detain people offshore for as long as it likes.
Nor can it ask a foreign government to incarcerate people indefinitely on its behalf.Nor can it ask a foreign government to incarcerate people indefinitely on its behalf.
Read more here.Read more here.
6.44am GMT6.44am GMT
06:4406:44
Protests get underway in Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide, BendigoProtests get underway in Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide, Bendigo
The next wave of Let Them Stay protests is underway after Sydney led the charge earlier this afternoon. There’s a big crowd of as many as 2000 people already assembled in Melbourne.The next wave of Let Them Stay protests is underway after Sydney led the charge earlier this afternoon. There’s a big crowd of as many as 2000 people already assembled in Melbourne.
#LetThemStay @mlle_elle pic.twitter.com/AV0RUYjsFC#LetThemStay @mlle_elle pic.twitter.com/AV0RUYjsFC
@mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/0T4vx0Kr3i@mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/0T4vx0Kr3i
My heart actually just lifted when I saw the crowd from the tram. Already 1000s #letthemstay pic.twitter.com/aCqmEtLBRkMy heart actually just lifted when I saw the crowd from the tram. Already 1000s #letthemstay pic.twitter.com/aCqmEtLBRk
#LetThemStay At the melbourne rally pic.twitter.com/Xrhfj7yWIR#LetThemStay At the melbourne rally pic.twitter.com/Xrhfj7yWIR
Large gathering at #LetThemStay rally in Melbourne. Protesting shameful acts of Australian government. pic.twitter.com/xQ39cGuD6ZLarge gathering at #LetThemStay rally in Melbourne. Protesting shameful acts of Australian government. pic.twitter.com/xQ39cGuD6Z
#LetThemStay Melbourne pic.twitter.com/vwdN3cySPv#LetThemStay Melbourne pic.twitter.com/vwdN3cySPv
#melbourne protest about to kick off. Heaps of people and more coming! #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/bundY1oWRR#melbourne protest about to kick off. Heaps of people and more coming! #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/bundY1oWRR
Melbourne #LetThemStay rally about to start at State Library. #refugees @PeterDutton_MP @TurnbullMalcolm pic.twitter.com/5Xp6SjSWFgMelbourne #LetThemStay rally about to start at State Library. #refugees @PeterDutton_MP @TurnbullMalcolm pic.twitter.com/5Xp6SjSWFg
.@TurnbullMalcolm Listening yet?#LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/cu36U1BP2J.@TurnbullMalcolm Listening yet?#LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/cu36U1BP2J
Melbourne rally @mlle_elle #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/Y6fgEm1QiqMelbourne rally @mlle_elle #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/Y6fgEm1Qiq
.@TurnbullMalcolm Listening yet?#LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/cu36U1BP2J.@TurnbullMalcolm Listening yet?#LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/cu36U1BP2J
My colleague Shalailah Medhora in Canberra reports that “around 80 people with more trickling in” are at the rally there.My colleague Shalailah Medhora in Canberra reports that “around 80 people with more trickling in” are at the rally there.
Canberra's #LetThemStay rally kicks off. Around 80 people with more trickling in. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/ucRUo0Ib5UCanberra's #LetThemStay rally kicks off. Around 80 people with more trickling in. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/ucRUo0Ib5U
Artwork at Canberra's #LetThemStay rally. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/wsPxUe6aoYArtwork at Canberra's #LetThemStay rally. @mlle_elle @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/wsPxUe6aoY
6.30am GMT6.30am GMT
06:3006:30
Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens Senator for South Australia, has tweeted about her visit to Nauru.Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens Senator for South Australia, has tweeted about her visit to Nauru.
Malcolm Turnbull might want to draw the line at the border, but we draw the line at child abuse #LetThemStayMalcolm Turnbull might want to draw the line at the border, but we draw the line at child abuse #LetThemStay
Thank god for the churches offering sanctuary to refugee children and their families. Putting values & compassion into action #LetThemStayThank god for the churches offering sanctuary to refugee children and their families. Putting values & compassion into action #LetThemStay
I've been to the hospital in Nauru... It is terrible. https://t.co/hnnOVPg8oMI've been to the hospital in Nauru... It is terrible. https://t.co/hnnOVPg8oM
Here's some photos I took of the place when I visited the Nauru hospital pic.twitter.com/LNyQWT3aABHere's some photos I took of the place when I visited the Nauru hospital pic.twitter.com/LNyQWT3aAB
But the government of Nauru has hit back at Hanson-Young and others’ “dishonest” and “outrageous” claims asylum seeker children are being abused on the island.But the government of Nauru has hit back at Hanson-Young and others’ “dishonest” and “outrageous” claims asylum seeker children are being abused on the island.
AAP reports that justice minister David Adeang said refugee families were safe and treated with great respect and claims otherwise were an insult to every Nauruan citizen.AAP reports that justice minister David Adeang said refugee families were safe and treated with great respect and claims otherwise were an insult to every Nauruan citizen.
“For Senator Hanson-Young and the Anglican Dean of Brisbane to refer to refugee children living in Nauru as child-abuse is dishonest, unconscionable and outrageous,” he said in a statement on Thursday.“For Senator Hanson-Young and the Anglican Dean of Brisbane to refer to refugee children living in Nauru as child-abuse is dishonest, unconscionable and outrageous,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
6.22am GMT6.22am GMT
06:2206:22
Refugee and asylum seeker children on Nauru have released a video via their Facebook page showcasing what they believe are ‘the better parts of the Nauru camp’ where they live in Australian-run offshore detention.Refugee and asylum seeker children on Nauru have released a video via their Facebook page showcasing what they believe are ‘the better parts of the Nauru camp’ where they live in Australian-run offshore detention.
6.18am GMT6.18am GMT
06:1806:18
Father Chris Bedding, the Rector of Darlington-Bellevue, a parish in the hills east of Perth (and “also an actor, comedian and activist”), has posted this image to social media showing his support of sanctuary.Father Chris Bedding, the Rector of Darlington-Bellevue, a parish in the hills east of Perth (and “also an actor, comedian and activist”), has posted this image to social media showing his support of sanctuary.
We will put our building and our bodies on the line to protect asylum seekers. #Sanctuary #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/roX5Vi2dPhWe will put our building and our bodies on the line to protect asylum seekers. #Sanctuary #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/roX5Vi2dPh
“Churches have an ancient tradition of offering ‪#‎Sanctuary‬ to those in desperate need. If vulnerable people are to be sent to Nauru, where they will be denied medical care, exposed to abuse and deprived of any hope, we stand ready to protect them,” he wrote on Facebook.“Churches have an ancient tradition of offering ‪#‎Sanctuary‬ to those in desperate need. If vulnerable people are to be sent to Nauru, where they will be denied medical care, exposed to abuse and deprived of any hope, we stand ready to protect them,” he wrote on Facebook.
Earlier, he had described the high court decision as a “bitter disappointment” on his page.Earlier, he had described the high court decision as a “bitter disappointment” on his page.
“So many of us were hoping for a decision that began the end of offshore detention centres. Instead, the the legality of the practice has been endorsed by the court, and plans are now being made to send 267 people, including 37 babies, to Nauru. They are being sent back to the place where they have experienced physical, mental and sexual abuse. The place where they have been denied medical care and education. The place which holds no hope for a safe future.“So many of us were hoping for a decision that began the end of offshore detention centres. Instead, the the legality of the practice has been endorsed by the court, and plans are now being made to send 267 people, including 37 babies, to Nauru. They are being sent back to the place where they have experienced physical, mental and sexual abuse. The place where they have been denied medical care and education. The place which holds no hope for a safe future.
“I have committed to get in the way to ‪#‎LetThemStay‬. Along with the ‪#‎LoveMakesAWay‬ movement, I am willing to take action to protect these people from harm’s way.”“I have committed to get in the way to ‪#‎LetThemStay‬. Along with the ‪#‎LoveMakesAWay‬ movement, I am willing to take action to protect these people from harm’s way.”
Albury priest Father Peter MacLeod-Miller is another offering asylum seekers sanctuary in his church, the Border Mail has reported.Albury priest Father Peter MacLeod-Miller is another offering asylum seekers sanctuary in his church, the Border Mail has reported.
“It means if a refugee or if people were going to be removed by the government they could be hidden in churches and we would secure their welfare,” Father MacLeod-Miller said.“It means if a refugee or if people were going to be removed by the government they could be hidden in churches and we would secure their welfare,” Father MacLeod-Miller said.
“They would be places of welcome when the government decides they are unwelcome. It’s a bit like the sort of thing that people did in Germany with the Jews when the Nazis were around..“They would be places of welcome when the government decides they are unwelcome. It’s a bit like the sort of thing that people did in Germany with the Jews when the Nazis were around..
“In practice it works to welcome people who are vulnerable from the government and prejudice.”“In practice it works to welcome people who are vulnerable from the government and prejudice.”
But a Queensland lawyer has poured scepticism on churches’ offer, telling AAP that it is a noble stand but it won’t work.But a Queensland lawyer has poured scepticism on churches’ offer, telling AAP that it is a noble stand but it won’t work.
Bill Potts, the president of the Queensland Law Society, says there is no modern power of sanctuary in Australian law and having one law for all, including religious leaders, is a fundamental part of democracy.Bill Potts, the president of the Queensland Law Society, says there is no modern power of sanctuary in Australian law and having one law for all, including religious leaders, is a fundamental part of democracy.
“If the churches could overrule the decision of the courts by granting sanctuary, then pretty soon all of our churches would be more overcrowded than our jails,” Potts said.“If the churches could overrule the decision of the courts by granting sanctuary, then pretty soon all of our churches would be more overcrowded than our jails,” Potts said.
He said the high court had spoken on the issue of offshore processing and the powers of the state would always trump the powers of the church.“Our religious leaders are making a noble stand. However, they are misguided if they believe it will work,” he said.He said the high court had spoken on the issue of offshore processing and the powers of the state would always trump the powers of the church.“Our religious leaders are making a noble stand. However, they are misguided if they believe it will work,” he said.
His sentiments were largely echoed by Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs, who praised the “symbolic gesture” but agreed it lacked practical enforceability.His sentiments were largely echoed by Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs, who praised the “symbolic gesture” but agreed it lacked practical enforceability.
She said it was unlikely desperate asylum seekers could get to churches offering sanctuary given many were behind “14-foot razor wire” in detention.She said it was unlikely desperate asylum seekers could get to churches offering sanctuary given many were behind “14-foot razor wire” in detention.
She said those in the community on bridging visas were probably not vulnerable to being returned – unless they committed a criminal offence.She said those in the community on bridging visas were probably not vulnerable to being returned – unless they committed a criminal offence.
But Triggs conceded the emblematic value of the sanctuary concept could pay off in the long run. “It does give publicity to the issue and it crystallises in a very dramatic way the general community’s concern,” she said. “I think it’s a rather inspiring idea.”But Triggs conceded the emblematic value of the sanctuary concept could pay off in the long run. “It does give publicity to the issue and it crystallises in a very dramatic way the general community’s concern,” she said. “I think it’s a rather inspiring idea.”
5.57am GMT5.57am GMT
05:5705:57
Protests in Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide will get underway in the next hour.Protests in Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide will get underway in the next hour.
There’s also a vigil outside the prime minister’s office scheduled from 5.30pm – “RAIN OR SHINE!” according to the invite:There’s also a vigil outside the prime minister’s office scheduled from 5.30pm – “RAIN OR SHINE!” according to the invite:
We invite you all to come, stay, and keep coming until our demand is met. Come with your placards and banners. Bring food, water, wet-weather gear, tents, and sleeping bags. Be prepared to stick around.We invite you all to come, stay, and keep coming until our demand is met. Come with your placards and banners. Bring food, water, wet-weather gear, tents, and sleeping bags. Be prepared to stick around.
My colleagues around the country will be heading along to many of the events, but if you’re there, share your experiences and pictures with me on Twitter at @mlle_elle.My colleagues around the country will be heading along to many of the events, but if you’re there, share your experiences and pictures with me on Twitter at @mlle_elle.
5.11am GMT5.11am GMT
05:1105:11
Australia’s international aid community has released a joint statement in support of Anglican churches’ offer of sanctuary to asylum seekers at risk of being deported to Nauru.Australia’s international aid community has released a joint statement in support of Anglican churches’ offer of sanctuary to asylum seekers at risk of being deported to Nauru.
ACOSS, Australian Council for International Development, Anglicare Australia, Catholic Social Services, Mission Australia, Oxfam Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society, Save the Children and World Vision – all the big names – have come together to urge the government to allow the 267 people to remain in Australia.ACOSS, Australian Council for International Development, Anglicare Australia, Catholic Social Services, Mission Australia, Oxfam Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society, Save the Children and World Vision – all the big names – have come together to urge the government to allow the 267 people to remain in Australia.
Marc Purcell, chief executive, ACFIDMarc Purcell, chief executive, ACFID
“The high court may have ruled against the challenge to the legality of our offshore detention centres, but what’s at stake here is the safety and wellbeing of traumatised and vulnerable people, including 37 babies and 54 children. This goes beyond technical legalities, it’s about our humanity, our morals and values, our human rights obligations and what’s the right humanitarian thing to do”“The high court may have ruled against the challenge to the legality of our offshore detention centres, but what’s at stake here is the safety and wellbeing of traumatised and vulnerable people, including 37 babies and 54 children. This goes beyond technical legalities, it’s about our humanity, our morals and values, our human rights obligations and what’s the right humanitarian thing to do”
Cassandra Goldie, chief executive, ACOSSCassandra Goldie, chief executive, ACOSS
“We are a wealthy nation made up of people who have been welcomed from all around the world. It is certainly within our capacity and our moral duty to provide these people sanctuary.“We remain opposed to offshore processing, and urge the federal government to immediately move to process the outstanding applications of asylum seekers and provide safe haven here in Australia. Our services are offered to provide assistance to the families and their children to enable them stay in Australia, out of harm’s way. “Australia’s churches, community sector and broader civil society are ready and able to welcome and ensure the proper care and protection of this small group of people and children. We have housing, community, employment and faith networks that will ensure people seeking asylum in Australia are safe and integrate successfully into the Australian community. We call on the government to work with us to ensure Australia fulfils its humanitarian obligations.”“We are a wealthy nation made up of people who have been welcomed from all around the world. It is certainly within our capacity and our moral duty to provide these people sanctuary.“We remain opposed to offshore processing, and urge the federal government to immediately move to process the outstanding applications of asylum seekers and provide safe haven here in Australia. Our services are offered to provide assistance to the families and their children to enable them stay in Australia, out of harm’s way. “Australia’s churches, community sector and broader civil society are ready and able to welcome and ensure the proper care and protection of this small group of people and children. We have housing, community, employment and faith networks that will ensure people seeking asylum in Australia are safe and integrate successfully into the Australian community. We call on the government to work with us to ensure Australia fulfils its humanitarian obligations.”
The UN refugee agency has already warned Australia to consider the best interests of children following yesterday’s high court ruling.The UN refugee agency has already warned Australia to consider the best interests of children following yesterday’s high court ruling.
“This decision by the high court greatly concerns us as these children and their families face a great risk in being sent to a place that cannot be considered safe nor adequate,” said a UN spokesman, Benyam Mezmur.“This decision by the high court greatly concerns us as these children and their families face a great risk in being sent to a place that cannot be considered safe nor adequate,” said a UN spokesman, Benyam Mezmur.
4.59am GMT4.59am GMT
04:5904:59
Byron Shire has today adopted the No Business In Abuse pledge, a joint campaign with GetUp that means that it will now refuse to do business with companies such as Broadspectrum (formerly Transfield) and Wilson Security that profit from offshore detention centres.Byron Shire has today adopted the No Business In Abuse pledge, a joint campaign with GetUp that means that it will now refuse to do business with companies such as Broadspectrum (formerly Transfield) and Wilson Security that profit from offshore detention centres.
Organiser Brynn O’Brien spoke at a meeting of the Byron Shire Council earlier today in support of the pledge.Organiser Brynn O’Brien spoke at a meeting of the Byron Shire Council earlier today in support of the pledge.
“I am standing here as a lawyer, having worked on these issues for more than a decade, and I am telling you: the law of this country is not just. It brutalises rather than protects the vulnerable. ...“I am standing here as a lawyer, having worked on these issues for more than a decade, and I am telling you: the law of this country is not just. It brutalises rather than protects the vulnerable. ...
“The companies doing offshore detention work are not mere foot-soldiers ‘implementing government policy’ – they are mercenaries profiting from it. And that justifies the community turning to them and saying, if you profit from abuse, you don’t profit from us.“The companies doing offshore detention work are not mere foot-soldiers ‘implementing government policy’ – they are mercenaries profiting from it. And that justifies the community turning to them and saying, if you profit from abuse, you don’t profit from us.
“This motion is not merely symbolic, it is not grandstanding. This motion is a piece of a large puzzle of principled and sophisticated resistance.”“This motion is not merely symbolic, it is not grandstanding. This motion is a piece of a large puzzle of principled and sophisticated resistance.”
Brilliant speech by @mayor_richo on moral obligation to reject abuse - "doing nothing is a decision" #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/XTsV3ar6EwBrilliant speech by @mayor_richo on moral obligation to reject abuse - "doing nothing is a decision" #LetThemStay pic.twitter.com/XTsV3ar6Ew
The pledge was adopted by the City of Sydney in December last year with 330 signatures in favour. The Byron Shire Council did so with more than 800.The pledge was adopted by the City of Sydney in December last year with 330 signatures in favour. The Byron Shire Council did so with more than 800.
4.41am GMT4.41am GMT
04:4104:41
“So many people are crying it is as if it were a funeral” – an asylum seeker responds to news of the high court’s ruling:“So many people are crying it is as if it were a funeral” – an asylum seeker responds to news of the high court’s ruling:
An asylum seeker brought to Australia after an alleged rape on Nauru says she collapsed in tears, and her son threatened suicide, when they were told of the high court’s decision affirming the government’s right to send them back to the Pacific island.An asylum seeker brought to Australia after an alleged rape on Nauru says she collapsed in tears, and her son threatened suicide, when they were told of the high court’s decision affirming the government’s right to send them back to the Pacific island.
Speaking via an interpreter from an Australian mainland detention centre, Durga* said she and her son were terrified at the prospect of being returned to the island where they had spent five months in detention.Speaking via an interpreter from an Australian mainland detention centre, Durga* said she and her son were terrified at the prospect of being returned to the island where they had spent five months in detention.
A high court judgment on Wednesday affirmed the power of the Australian government to establish, fund and control detention centres in foreign countries.A high court judgment on Wednesday affirmed the power of the Australian government to establish, fund and control detention centres in foreign countries.
The decision most directly impacts 267 asylum seekers – including 37 babies born in Australia to asylum seeker mothers – who were party to the court case and can now be removed to Nauru on 72 hours’ notice. Durga and her son are two of those.The decision most directly impacts 267 asylum seekers – including 37 babies born in Australia to asylum seeker mothers – who were party to the court case and can now be removed to Nauru on 72 hours’ notice. Durga and her son are two of those.
“An immigration officer took me into an office to tell me about the high court decision,” Durga said. “Straight away, I am very fearful, very scared. I started crying and asking what they will do to me.”“An immigration officer took me into an office to tell me about the high court decision,” Durga said. “Straight away, I am very fearful, very scared. I started crying and asking what they will do to me.”
News of the court’s ruling spread quickly through the detention centre.News of the court’s ruling spread quickly through the detention centre.
“Everywhere here is chaos. I saw one woman fainting when she was told the news. So many people are crying it is as if it were a funeral. We feel like Nauru is the end of our life.”“Everywhere here is chaos. I saw one woman fainting when she was told the news. So many people are crying it is as if it were a funeral. We feel like Nauru is the end of our life.”
Read more.Read more.
4.24am GMT4.24am GMT
04:2404:24
Photos from the Let Them Stay protest in Sydney earlier this afternoon.Photos from the Let Them Stay protest in Sydney earlier this afternoon.
4.18am GMT4.18am GMT
04:1804:18
My colleague Ben Doherty has written up some of the findings of the latest Australian Human Rights Commission report into the impact of detention on children’s wellbeing – and it makes for grim reading:My colleague Ben Doherty has written up some of the findings of the latest Australian Human Rights Commission report into the impact of detention on children’s wellbeing – and it makes for grim reading:
A seven-year-old girl attempted suicide by cutting her face and chest with razor blades, children have jumped from buildings in attempts to kill themselves, and a two-year-old boy on Nauru played with cockroaches because “he has no other toys”, a report from the Australian Human Rights Commission says.A seven-year-old girl attempted suicide by cutting her face and chest with razor blades, children have jumped from buildings in attempts to kill themselves, and a two-year-old boy on Nauru played with cockroaches because “he has no other toys”, a report from the Australian Human Rights Commission says.
A series of interviews conducted by paediatricians with asylum seekers inside Wickham Point and Christmas Island detention centres paints a bleak picture of mental trauma suffered by children in detention, and an overwhelming fear of being returned to Nauru.A series of interviews conducted by paediatricians with asylum seekers inside Wickham Point and Christmas Island detention centres paints a bleak picture of mental trauma suffered by children in detention, and an overwhelming fear of being returned to Nauru.
She has no friends. She cries all the time and says I want to go from here. She has cut herself with a razor on her chin, face, chest. She eats poorly, has daily headache and tummy pain and poor weight gain. Every night she wakes up and screams that someone is coming to take her back to Nauru. (Mother of girl, aged 7)She has no friends. She cries all the time and says I want to go from here. She has cut herself with a razor on her chin, face, chest. She eats poorly, has daily headache and tummy pain and poor weight gain. Every night she wakes up and screams that someone is coming to take her back to Nauru. (Mother of girl, aged 7)
Two of her friends jumped off the building and got broken hips and legs. They were sent to the community. She is talking about doing the same thing. She has been seen (by a counsellor in Darwin) and mental health here but says ‘talking to them doesn’t change anything for me.’ She has no medication, no psychiatrist. (Mother of girl, aged 15)Two of her friends jumped off the building and got broken hips and legs. They were sent to the community. She is talking about doing the same thing. She has been seen (by a counsellor in Darwin) and mental health here but says ‘talking to them doesn’t change anything for me.’ She has no medication, no psychiatrist. (Mother of girl, aged 15)
When interviewed independently the girl reported: “I am at the end of the line. I’m really negative. I’m at the end. I feel maybe I should kill myself to end it all.” (Girl, aged 15)When interviewed independently the girl reported: “I am at the end of the line. I’m really negative. I’m at the end. I feel maybe I should kill myself to end it all.” (Girl, aged 15)
My child was playing with cockroaches – he had no other toys. (Father of boy, aged 2)My child was playing with cockroaches – he had no other toys. (Father of boy, aged 2)
Read more here.Read more here.
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here