In 2020, Australians are being asked to “make a resolution that counts”. Thousands will take action to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum, as part of the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA)’s “Year of Welcome”...
Media & Publications
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Australian Government Ministers Missing As The World Gathers For Global Refugee Forum
Ministers from 69 states will be present but Australian Government ministers noticeably absent when the world gathers in Geneva this week for the largest-ever forum on the global response to refugees. The Global Refugee...
Medevac repeal puts refugees’ lives at risk, says Refugee Council of Australia
Today’s repealing of the Medevac legislation will prolong the pain of refugees who have been suffering at the hands of the Australian Government for more than six years, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) says. ...
Review into settlement outcomes a “well-considered examination of refugee settlement”, Refugee Council of Australia says
The Federal Government’s review Investing in Refugees: Investing in Australia is such a constructive contribution to improving refugee settlement that it is a mystery it took nine months to release, the Refugee Council...
The Medevac Legislation is working as intended and must be retained
The findings presented today by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee are a clear indication that the Medevac legislation is functioning as intended and should be retained, the Refugee Council of...
RCOA Impact Report 2018-19
We promote humane and compassionate policies for people seeking safety in Australia and around the globe. While we cannot predict the wars, conflicts and oppressive regimes that will force people to seek asylum, we can...
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Latest publications
Concerns about systemic cruelty and arbitrariness in Australia’s immigration detention system raised with two United Nations bodies ahead of their visits to Australia
Key issues noted about Australia’s immigration detention system: The increasing systemic cruelty of Australia’s immigration detention facilities The design, staffing and procedures of immigration detention follow a...
Keeping the Australian Government accountable: a guide
This guide is for refugees, people seeking asylum, and people advocating on their behalf. It provides information about different ways in which people can raise their issues with the government, and how they can find...
The use of non-judicial accountability mechanisms by the refugee sector in Australia
This report looks at the use of non-judicial accountability mechanisms, such as Parliament and the Australian Human Rights Commission, by the refugee sector in Australia.
RCOA Impact Report 2018-19
We promote humane and compassionate policies for people seeking safety in Australia and around the globe. While we cannot predict the wars, conflicts and oppressive regimes that will force people to seek asylum, we can...
Submission into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening The Character Test) Bill 2019
Our key concerns We welcome the opportunity to restate our significant concerns about this Bill. We have consistently expressed our profound concerns about the continuing expansion of executive powers under the visa...
Momentum builds as UNHCR plans first global refugee forum
Report on Australian NGO and Refugee Advocacy In Geneva – June-July 2019 The growing impact of refugee-led advocacy and plans to use December’s first Global Refugee Forum to build momentum behind the Global Compact on...
A new model for community refugee sponsorship in Australia
This position paper is published by the Community Refugee Sponsorship (‘CRSI’), an independent organisation established by the Refugee Council of Australia, Save the Children Australia, Amnesty International Australia...
A new opportunity for global leadership: Options for Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program in 2019-20
Consultations for the 2019-2020 Humanitarian Program For more than 25 years, the Refugee Council of Australia has been gathering community views on the Refugee and Humanitarian Program. Every year, we conduct a series...
Submission into evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) new business model (NBM)
In December 2018 the Department of Education and Training commissioned Social Compass to conduct an evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) new business Model (NMB). RCOA welcomes the opportunity to voice...
The Federal Budget: What it means for refugees and people seeking humanitarian protection
What does the Federal Budget hold for refugees and people seeking humanitarian protection? This analysis provides a full briefing of those changes.
Barriers and exclusions: The support needs of newly arrived refugees with a disability
© UNHCR/G.Welters Executive summary Due to experiences of conflict, torture and displacement, people from refugee backgrounds are more likely to have a disability than other populations. However, until 2012, people with...
Submission into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2018
Our key concerns We welcome the opportunity to state our significant concerns about this Bill, and to state our opposition to it in the clearest possible terms. We have consistently expressed our profound concerns about...
