That the Senate

(a) Notes that:
i) June 20 marks World Refugee Day 2009;
ii) This year’s global theme is “Real People, Real Needs”, recognising the lasting sense of security sought by people who have fled from persecution, in search of freedom, security and safety; 

(b) Recognises that:
i) Over the past century the global community has witnessed increasing numbers of refugees fleeing from their homeland in fear of persecution; and
ii) As a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Geneva Convention on Refugees, Australia is obliged to protect those seeking asylum from persecution;

(c) Acknowledges:
i) The release of Amnesty International’s 2009 Annual Report into the State of the World’s Human Rights;
ii) That this report highlights the concern with housing children and unaccompanied minors in alternative detention facilities on Christmas Island; and

(d) encourage the Government to:
i) provide additional support to specialised service delivery agencies who work with refugees and asylum seekers in Australia; and
ii) Ensure that no child, or family, is detained in any form of high security accommodation on Christmas Island, while their visa application is being processed.

Supported by the Senate.