Web Action WA 11/06; AI Index ASA 12/004/2006

Start date: 17/08/06

Australia: Bill to punish asylum seekers arriving by boat is dropped

Amnesty International welcomes the Australian Prime Minister’s decision to abandon the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill, which would have resulted in the denial of fundamental rights of some of the world's most vulnerable.

This represents a significant victory for the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

A clear signal has been sent that Australia will not abandon desperate people fleeing persecution.