ISSUE 8 • MAY 2008

Immigration Matters

C A I I • THE CHURCHES’ AGENCY ON INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: RESOURCING CHURCHES AND CONGREGATIONS ON GLOBAL CONCERNS

Seeking Refuge in a Strange Land – the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers

hroughout history innocent people cleansing and crimes against humanity. Nicholson have been forced from their homes The Responsibility to Protect is becoming Tto seek safety and refuge in the an important issue for collective face of violence. Despite the United discussion and action when states and Nations (UN) agreeing in 1951 to the the international community have failed Convention relating to the Status of to prevent catastrophe. Refugees, civilians continue to be The United Nations High Commission for caught up in horrifying wars, whole Refugees (UNHCR) currently recognises communities are displaced within their some 14 million refugees. In addition, own countries and many live or are an estimated 24.5 million people are “warehoused” in makeshift refugee displaced within their own countries. camps relying on humanitarian aid With the large numbers of displaced for their very survival. Displacement people and increasing insecurity, there has become a strategy of war. Some, is a lot of pressure on governments, the especially those with more resources, international community, the churches, have sought refuge in developed and concerned people to uphold the countries but many more have entered Responsibility to Protect. Facing these neighbouring developing countries where challenges as a faith community is part often they are competing for limited of the continuing Christian commitment resources with those living in the host to help those made vulnerable by country. The human cost has been circumstances beyond their control. very high. This Hot Topic explores: People have sought refuge in Aotearoa While the highest priority is to prevent New Zealand since the mid nineteenth the conflict and disempowerment ›› Definitions and Statistics century. This Hot Topic examines some that creates displacement, Christians of the key areas of concern relating share a responsibility to protect those ›› The Responsibility to resettlement and the hurdles that who are most vulnerable, including to Protect refugees and asylum seekers face, how refugees and asylum seekers. The UN a host country such as New Zealand can specifically referred to the responsibility ›› Refugee Resettlement in learn from the experiences of refugees in of individual members to protect the ever-growing multicultural societies, and New Zealand needs and rights of civilian populations how churches can continue to engage in its 60th Anniversary statement. In ›› Refugee stories in the debates central to a theology of the same document the international kindness, hospitality and justice toward ›› What the churches are community, through the UN, accepted the strangers seeking refuge. the responsibility to protect populations saying internationally. from genocide, war crimes, ethnic

The Anglican The Salvation The The Religious Church in Army in New Methodist Society of Aotearoa, New Zealand, Fiji Church of Friends Zealand and and Tonga New Zealand Christian World Service Polynesia Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 1 Definitions:

Refugee: The 1951 UN Refugee migrants’ seeking an improved or even Stateless person: Someone who because Convention defines a refugee as someone an adequate livelihood when they see of their ethnicity or history is denied the who: “owing to well-founded fear of being no future at home. The definition does right to a nationality. For them “going persecuted for reasons of race, religion, not allow for economic or environmental home” may not depend on a peace accord nationality, membership of a particular refugees - those who flee because they and repatriation, but rather, on overcoming social group or political opinion, is outside can no longer survive in their own land. bureaucratic obstacles and securing an the country of his nationality and is unable, Receiving countries sometimes accept official identity. The estimate of stateless or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail refugees for political reasons, for example people worldwide has risen to nearly six himself of the protection of that country; refugees from Cuba find it easier to gain million from some 60 countries. or who, not having a nationality and being asylum in the USA than those fleeing Uprooted People: Overarching term that outside the country of his former habitual repressive regimes from Central America. includes communities who flee because residence as a result of such events, is Sadly, those facing persecution on the of persecution and war, people who are unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling basis of sexual orientation, health status forcibly displaced because of environmental to return to it.” or gender often find it difficult to receive devastation and are compelled to seek protection. The Convention places certain obligations sustenance in a city or abroad because they upon States which are party to it, the Asylum seeker: Someone who is a foreign cannot survive at home. most fundamental of which is the principle national seeking the right to reside as Warehoused refugees: Typically, but not of ‘non-refoulement’. This concerns the a refugee in another country, and to be always, confined to camps or segregated obligation of countries of asylum not protected by that country, but who has not settlements where they are virtually to return people forcibly to situations yet been formally recognised as a refugee. dependent on humanitarian assistance. where they have a well-founded fear of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Even refugees who are free to move are persecution. The primary responsibility People forced to flee their home, often still ‘warehoused’ if they are not allowed for protecting and assisting refugees lies for the same reasons as a refugee, but their rights to work, practice professions, with States, particularly the countries of who have not crossed an internationally run businesses, and own property. These asylum to which refugees flee. UNHCR recognised border. Many IDPs are in are people for whom the international promotes and monitors States’ adherence refugee-like situations and face the same community has not been able to find a to the Convention to enable them to offer problems as refugees but are subject to solution. It is too dangerous to return home adequate protection to the refugees in the laws of their home state rather than but they have not been able to resettle in a their territory. international law. third country. It is not easy for a person to be recognised by the UNHCR. To reach a UNHCR office to register can be extremely difficult, Statistics on Uprooted People particularly in conflict situations. The process is bureaucratic and refugees do 30 not always have the means to prove their 24.5 million status. Some are labelled as ‘economic 25

20 PERSPECTIVES 13.9 million 15

8.8 million “New Zealand was the only 10 option, however, saving my life was more important than 5 2.1 million* choosing where to go.” 1.1 million* 69.4 thousand 0 Iranian Convention refugee, six months in NZ

Years or More Displaced People Refugees resettled and Asylum Seekers Total number of Internally Total Number of Refugees Refugees “Warehoused” Five New Internally Displaced People New Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Writer: Ruth Greenaway * Represents persons who fled their homes during 2006, including those who fled and returned within the year. Layout: Marcus Thomas (from World Refugee Survey 2007 (www.refugees.org) and Internal Displacement Global Overview 2007

(www.internal-displacement.org) )

2 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues Who decides who is a refugee? Q: Where do most refugees come from?* Q: What countries and territories host The UNHCR and individual governments Afghanistan 3,260,300 most of the world’s refugees? have separate procedures for deciding Former Palestine 3,036,400 Host Country # of Refugees whether a person is a recognised refugee. Those who are documented as refugees Iraq 1,687,800 Pakistan 2,161,500 by the UNHCR are allowed to remain in Burma (Myanmar) 693,300 Syria 1,329,300 the country of asylum, often in a refugee Sudan 648,000 Iran 1,025,000 camp, until such time as they are resettled or they choose to return home - this can Colombia 453,300 Gaza Strip 1,017,000 take many years. Resettlement is an Democratic Republic 412,300 Jordan 862,700 option for less than 1% of the world’s of Congo West Bank 722,000 refugees. Some women have been granted Somalia 410,300 Tanzania 485,700 refugee protection on the basis of their need for protection from cruel or inhumane Burundi 393,700 India 435,900 treatment. Those who do not receive 308,000 Thailand 408,400 refugee documentation may be deported, Eritrea 255,400 although UNHCR does recommend that Note: All statistics from http://www.refugees.org/article. Angola 195,000 aspx?id=1941 people whose applications for asylum have been declined are granted the right China 158,700 of a review and that they be offered some Liberia 141,100 protection if coming from countries facing armed conflict. *Numbers are for refugees and asylum seekers as of December 31, 2006, and do not include persons granted For more information refer to www.unhcr.org permanent status in other countries.

All at Sea – the story of the Tampa Refugees

any Afghani refugees have lived in accepted 133 young men who were taken life in New Zealand. Director Peter Cotton Mrefugee camps all their lives. In an into care by Child Youth and Family. In says that the onus is on the community to attempt to improve their prospects they 2005, 76 of the ‘Tampa Boys’ were granted accept new arrivals if the process is to work. often go to extraordinary lengths to find a citizenship, Prime Minister “Whilst you may view resettlement as some new future in other countries. said that they had demonstrated their kind of process, in fact belonging is not a commitment to New Zealand since their process but a feeling...and you need people The so-called Tampa refugees fled south arrival here. “Today, they can proudly to make you belong, and you can’t belong by boat seeking refuge in Australia via proclaim themselves citizens of New unless you’re accepted.” Indonesia. Many disappeared en route Zealand.” but 438 were rescued from a sinking boat By 2004, all but 11 of the Tampa Afghans by the Norwegian freighter, MV Tampa, Azizullah Mussa, the youngest of the Tampa had been granted refugee status. off the Australian coast in August 2001. Boys, said that the Prime Minister’s good The Australian government refused them deed would be repaid by the young men who entry as ‘queue jumpers’. After a stand off were determined to become good citizens to which attracted international attention and show their appreciation for the opportunities For discussion: concern, they devised what was called the New Zealand had given them. • How do respond to ‘Pacific Solution’. In total the Australian refugees and asylum seekers? In March 2008, Abbas Nazari, a ‘Tampa authorities detained some 1500 refugees on Boy’ came third in New Zealand’s national • Have you had any direct experience Nauru and Papua New Guinea. The ‘Pacific schools spelling competition. He has only of helping people resettle? What Solution’ soon became a ‘Pacific Nightmare’ learnt English for 6 years. Now 12, he were some of the difficulties you as many of the Tampa refugees began a says “Australia didn’t want us because encountered? What did you learn hunger strike in protest at the handling of they thought we were terrorists ... but New from the experience? their case and their living conditions on Zealand listened to us and they thought we Nauru. weren’t terrorist.” International agencies condemned The Refugee and Migrant Service engaged Australia’s handling of the Tampa refugees. volunteers to help the Tampa Boys adjust to In response the

Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 3 Responsibility to Protect In response to continued widespread atrocities, members of the United Nations have considered from time to time whether or not they have a ‘right to intervene’ in the affairs of a member state where there is systematic and widespread attacks on civilian populations such as occurred in Kosovo or Rwanda. At the December 2001 meeting of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty the discussion was reformulated on the ‘responsibility to protect’ people in need of assistance rather than focusing attention on whether countries should intervene. Included in the Outcome statement of the 60th Anniversary Summit of the United Nations are the following paragraphs (138- 139): Responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity 138. Each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. This responsibility entails the prevention of such crimes, including their incitement, through appropriate and necessary means. We accept that responsibility and will act in accordance with it. The international community should, as appropriate, encourage and help States to exercise this responsibility and support the United Nations in establishing an early warning capability. 139. The international community, peaceful means, in accordance with Did you know? through the United Nations, also has Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter, to • Developing countries host the largest the responsibility to use appropriate help to protect populations from genocide, number of refugees, but with the least diplomatic, humanitarian and other war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes resources to adequately to do so. against humanity. In this context, we • Africa has historically hosted on average are prepared to take collective action, in 25% of all the world’s refugees, Europe PERSPECTIVES a timely and decisive manner, through 18%, the Americas 10%, and the Security Council, in accordance with 9%. the Charter, including Chapter VII, ... “Resettlement is a journey, a should peaceful means be inadequate • Europe collectively hosts the world’s largest number of asylum seekers, process of learning, adapting and national authorities are manifestly failing to protect their populations from (particularly in Germany and the UK). and understanding. Coming to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing • Afghanistan has the largest number of a new country with a different and crimes against humanity. ... We also displaced people scattered through-out culture, language, religion, intend to commit ourselves, as necessary the world, there are 3.2 million Afghans and traditions, is a challenging and appropriate, to helping States build located in 71 different countries; 15% of the global refugee population. venture into the unknown.” capacity to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and • Kosovo has seen the largest and Voices of Refugees – A journey of crimes against humanity and to assisting fastest voluntary repatriation of resettlement in New Zealand NZIS those which are under stress before crises refugees since the end of the Second survey, 2004 and conflicts break out. World War.

4 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues Refugee settlement in New Zealand

hile many refugees have resettled in New Zealand they have not Walways been made welcome. There is often a stigma attached to being a refugee. Refugees usually lack English language skills, may be experiencing persecution and suffering trauma, and have qualifications that are not recognised in New Zealand. Not all refugees arrive in groups or as family units as part of the official refugee quota. Some may first enter New Zealand seeking asylum in order to be granted refugee status. Without proof from the UNHCR who assign refugee status they face significant obstacles especially when they may be reliant on false documents and lack proof of their identity. Although New Zealand has been one of the countries to take a lead in recognising the importance of family units staying together; individual family members are often very worried about the safety and health of other family members who may still be in interpreted or translated for their refugee camps or on the move. The family parents. Some of the freedoms young PERSPECTIVES reunification process can be quite lengthy. people had here were sometimes seen Now that border controls are tighter than as disrespectful towards parents and ever, it is more difficult for those who outside traditional family and cultural are not part of the government managed practices. “I loved Afghanistan, but now I have come here and they have refugee quota system to enter the country • Making friends was very important for and gain asylum. extending social networks; to learn supported me and made a Migrants have made New Zealand what about the ‘Kiwi’ lifestyle; to improve new life for me, now I love New it is today. Over many generations Maori English; to help each other; to be part Zealand. It is very good for made Aotearoa their home and their of a wider community; and exchanging me.” land. Subsequent settlers have added cultures. to the increasing cultural diversity of our • 36% of participants met friends through Tampa Refugee - Rajab Ali Merzaie, growing multicultural society. Like other an ethnic group or association. 33% July, 2002. migrants, refugee families take time to met friends through a religious group adjust to life in a new country where (such as a church). much may be unfamiliar. Many have • The most common expectations that quickly adapted despite the very limited recently arrived refugees expressed PERSPECTIVES resources and support networks available were the need to find work, be safe and to them. Initially they are very dependent secure and to have a peaceful life in on government-provided support services, New Zealand. particularly in areas of housing, education, “What participants liked about New “Former refugees can now be employment, health and income. They found in every walk of life and seek opportunities to make friends, Zealand reflected what most did not establish networks and where appropriate have in their former countries - freedom they continue to make a valued participate in ceremonies appropriate to and , safety and security, contribution to the social, their faith. and peace and quiet. These are cultural and economic fabric of probably the most important mitigating In a survey of newly arrived refugees factors for refugees when dealing with our increasingly multicultural and those who had been here for two the challenges of resettlement, in society.” or more years conducted in 2004 the particular their ability to become self- Refugee Resettlement, NZ. NZIS “Refugee Voices - A journey to supporting.” To view a copy of the report resettlement”, observed that: see: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ • In general, teenagers felt it was easier community/general/generalinformation/ for them than their parents to settle research/generalresearch/refugees/ - within the first six months most had Refugee+Voices/

Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 5 How does Refugee settlement happen in New Zealand?

Quota Refugees: New Zealand is one of , , Nelson and applications were approved (down from a 16 countries participating in the UNHCR high of 2001/02 when 631 applications refugee quota system. The Immigration were approved affecting 650 people). In Volunteer workers assist refugees with Service accepts 750 UNHCR-prioritised 2006/7 most of the accepted asylum ongoing settlement needs and with refugees per year under three categories: seekers came from Iraq and China. accessing services. The sponsors make a persecution, women-at-risk, and medical or (http://www.refugee.org.nz/Stats/stats. six month commitment to a family to help disabled. This arrangement was originally htm) them find accommodation, obtain furniture formalised in 1987 for 800 refugees and and household effects, to introduce In 2007 Parliament introduced an altered in 1997 to 750 refugees when the them to WINZ, to teach them how to use Immigration Bill that is a complete reform government agreed to meet their travel the supermarket, to access health care of the law relating to immigration. It costs. They are refugees who cannot services, to access education services is currently before the Transport and safely return to their home country or be and the use of public transport. There Industrial Relations Select Committee integrated into the country where they may be up to 4 sponsors working with who are due to report to the Parliament have temporarily found refuge. In 2006/7 any one family to help them make the by 30 June 2008. the majority of refugees were resettled necessary adjustments to life in from Mynamar (Burma) and Afghanistan. New Zealand. Refugee Resettlement (formerly known The Refugees as Survivors Centre (RAS): For discussion: as the Refugee and Migrant Service provides a trauma counselling service as • You or your church community may -RMS): is a national non-profit organization well as therapeutic activities for adults and have been involved in resettling established in 1976, with branches children. Social services are provided as refugees or other migrants. How in , Hamilton, the Hutt Valley, well as training programmes for volunteer do refugees fare in Aotearoa New Wellington, Napier and Christchurch. Its support. Zealand? staff and volunteers have assisted more than 40,000 refugees to settle and Family re-unification: Many refugees • Do you think New Zealand build a future in New Zealand. Refugee arriving in New Zealand remain anxious adequately fulfils its international obligations to refugees? Resettlement has a contract with the about the health and safety of family New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) members elsewhere. In recognition of • Refugee communities may to resettle refugees under the UNHCR the importance of family to the long term often ‘stick together’ because quota system. Refugees coming to New well-being of refugees the government of language difficulties and the Zealand spend their first 6 weeks at the allocates places for 300 sponsored need to maintain cultural values Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre migrants under the Family Support and a sense of connectedness. where they receive health screening, Category. A refugee is able to sponsor However, the perception held by health care, English lessons and are one other family member who may bring the wider community can be one of given a basic orientation to life in New their partner and children. There are separatism. What do you think? Zealand. Housing New Zealand then finds more applicants each year than places homes for them usually in the following available. areas: Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Convention Refugees: In addition to the PERSPECTIVES Quota refugees New Zealand accepts approximately 200-500 refugees who “I believed it was multicultural PERSPECTIVES seek asylum at the border each year. They are currently processed through and as my relatives said, New the Refugee Status Branch of the New Zealand people are friendly Zealand Immigration Service. The Refugee “I like everything about being and kind, and the Halal food is Status Appeal Authority hears and in New Zealand: school, going determines appeals against decisions available.” shopping, being at home with of the Refugee Status Branch. The Somali Quota refugee, six months in NZ my family, playing outdoors with government introduced new regulations “Here in New Zealand, both my friends, especially playing and laws allowing for the faster removal of people from New Zealand and allowing father and child seem to be rugby.” for the detention of asylum seekers while like friends, so the style of Iraqi Quota refugee, five years in NZ their cases are assessed. In recent years dealing with children has had the numbers of asylum seekers have been declining. In the year 2006/7 244 people to change.” applied for refuge (down from a high of Burmese Quota refugee 2037 in the year 2000/01) of which 62

6 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues THE STORY OF

n 4 December 2002, Algerian 2003 calling for his release and national Ahmed Zaoui arrived protection under the UN Convention on Oat Auckland airport after almost Refugees. In December 2003 the High a decade in exile. He sought political Court ruled that the SIS should provide asylum under the United Nations Refugee a ‘summary of allegations’ against Convention. Like many others in similar Ahmed Zaoui and that the Inspector circumstances, Ahmed Zaoui had a false General of the SIS should consider his passport which is allowed for in the UN human rights in this case. Convention. Ahmed Zaoui had every Ahmed Zaoui’s case is a test case reason to expect fair treatment as New for the New Zealand justice system. Zealand is a signatory to that Convention. Since 1996 the SIS powers have A Muslim, university lecturer and mosque been increased, leaving the Inspector teacher, Ahmed Zaoui was elected to the General as the only avenue for appeal. new Algerian National Assembly on the It raises important questions about the Ahmed Zaoui winning Front Islamic du Salut (FIS) ticket human rights of a recognised refugee, in the initial round of the country’s first including information supplied by third ever democratic elections in December parties. His lawyers campaigned The culture of hope 1991. Unhappy with the results of the for his release from detention, full During his time in prison he wrote a collection election the military staged a violent coup freedom, and re-unification with his of poems, in one entitled “The culture of and the president dissolved the Assembly. family, as well as changes to ensure hope” he writes, Ahmed Zaoui was tortured and fearing that refugees will no longer be unfairly for his life fled into exile with his family. detained without fair process. They “I imagine I live in a black room and the Accused of supporting the more militant also noted that many more people darkness has spread. A pinprick of light Armed Islamic Group in (GIA) have been held in detention without captures my attention, and I contemplate which reportedly has links to Al Qaeda, charge around the world since 11 this light. And live for it. I desire to expand he was deported from , , September 2001. the light. If I continuously contemplate the , and dark, I will die. Through this light, I declare Ahmed Zaoui was released from prison before finally landing in New Zealand. my existence and my victory. My joys and in March 2005 to the care of the disappointments. And my existence arrives. The New Zealand Immigration Service Catholic Friars at the Dominican Priory I am a tear, under restraint. I am a tear, referred him to the Security Intelligence in Auckland with strict bail conditions crystallising in the eye of the sufferer. I am a Service (SIS). On arrival the SIS including a curfew. In a press sigh, intruding inside a lover.” interviewed and videoed him for 7 hours conference he said, “The first days without his consent. His application for of coming out of prison will always refugee status was declined and he was remain in my memory. It is almost detained in prison, firstly at Paremoremo indescribable how I felt at this time. For discussion: and then in the Auckland Remand After so long, I could feel the air on my Prison, including 10 months in solitary face and see your beautiful country.” • As a signatory to the UN treaties protecting refugees, what level of confinement. In March 2003, the SIS In his 2006 Christmas message to assistance should New Zealand offer issued a ‘security risk certificate’ allowing supporters Ahmed wrote, “I thank you to those seeking asylum? his continued detention. for supporting my struggle for freedom • How can the public, government The Refugee Status Appeal Authority and re-unification with my family...it is officials, or media fairly assess (RSAA) granted Ahmed Zaoui refugee the friendship which I have received the likelihood of an individual from status in August 2003, stating that there from the Catholic Friars and so many of you which helps me to endure this a different context participating was no credible evidence to suggest in terrorism? his involvement in terrorism or serious long wait for justice.” crime. On the basis of this decision his Almost five years after he first arrived • How do you balance the fear of lawyers argued that the SIS was relying in New Zealand, the new head of terrorism and the need to uphold human rights? on second-hand information against the SIS, Dr Warren Tucker, revisited a recognised refugee and that not the decision of his predecessor, and • Should the NZ government make the disclosing this evidence to Ahmed Zaoui withdrew the security risk certificate on evidence against someone seeking was a grave disregard of his human rights. September 13th, allowing him to live in asylum available to them? The Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops New Zealand as a genuine refugee. • What can we learn from the case of released a joint statement in October Ahmed Zaoui?

Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 7 A history of refugee settlement in New Zealand

ome of the earliest refugee groups Soviet Jews, East Europeans, Baha’i Special Residence Policy for Zimbabwean to resettle in Aotearoa New Zealand refugees from Iran, Assyrian Christians Nationals were Danes fleeing the suppression from Iraq, Iraqi deserters from the 1991 S In July 2005 the Minister of Immigration of their language and culture under Gulf war and South-East Asian refugees announced a special policy to allow German occupation in the 1870s and Jews including Vietnamese boat people. The first Zimbabweans who had fled the turmoil of escaping persecution in Tsarist Russia from significant population resettled from Africa Mugabe’s regime to be granted residence the 1880. In the 1930s it was difficult for was in 1992 and 1994 when New Zealand in New Zealand. This was in recognition of people fleeing Nazi Germany to enter New accepted refugees from Somalia fleeing civil the unique circumstances of their home Zealand. The 1931 Immigration Restriction war, drought and famine. country and the need to provide people Act excluded ‘aliens’ unless they had In the late 1990s New Zealand accepted with some certainty about their immediate guaranteed employment, substantial refugees from the former Yugoslavia future. The policy acknowledged people capital, or particular knowledge or skills. including 600 displaced people from Kosovo were in a refugee-like situation and it was Up to 1,100 mainly Jewish refugees came as well as refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea, not safe for them to return home. The from Europe in the lead up to World War II. Iran, Afghanistan and the Sudan. policy applied to any Zimbabwe nationals Formal refugee resettlement is seen to who arrived in New Zealand on or before Churches have played a crucial role in the have begun with an intake of about 800 23 September 2004, and who did not settlement of . Polish refugees in 1944. They were to meet the requirements for approval under The National Council of Churches (NCC) stay for the duration of the war but with any other residence policy. This was worked closely with the government to find difficult conditions in post war Poland; all later amended to exempt them from the families and churches that would sponsor were able to remain in the country. New normal health standards, including HIV refugees until the 1980s when government Zealand accepted 5000 European refugees and AIDS status and was undertaken as a agencies took on a greater role in providing (including Jews and Slavs) after the Second humanitarian action. Over 900 people have housing and meeting basic living needs World War and later 1,100 Hungarian been approved for residence under the of refugees. Taking a lead from the World refugees in 1956 after the revolution. special policy. Council of Churches, the NCC worked with During the 1960s New Zealand accepted representatives from the Roman Catholic The UNHCR welcomed the decision. Chinese orphans and families from Hong Church, the Lutheran Church and Jewish “Obtaining permanent residence is Kong and Indonesia, Russian Christians communities under the umbrella of the Inter- an important step towards attaining and Czech refugees. In the 1970s Asian Church Council on Public and Social Affairs. citizenship, and allowing displaced people refugees expelled from Idi Amin’s Uganda to rebuild their lives.” Many Zimbabweans and Chileans fleeing the army’s overthrow The Inter-Church Commission on have now settled in New Zealand and of the Allende government in 1973 were Immigration and Refugee Resettlement have taken up opportunities for further resettled. (ICCI) was formed in 1975 by education or retrained for work in areas representatives from the National Council of From 1974-91 New Zealand accepted: like nursing where there are staff Churches, the Catholic Bishops Conference, shortages. PERSPECTIVES HIAS (Hebrew Immigration Aid Society) and the United Synagogues of New Zealand. For more information on the Zimbabwe The Commission largely focussed on Crisis see Hot Topic 1 and updates: http:// “You, as an island nation refugee matters, but it also actively assisted www.cws.org.nz/Resources/international. seem to understand well that other migrants and people applying for asp. “No man is an island,” and political asylum. In 1986 the governance of ICCI was assumed by the Conference that we are all diminished PERSPECTIVES of Churches of Aotearoa New Zealand by political injustice against (CCANZ). CCANZ continued its governance our fellow human beings role until 1990 when the agency became an “There are cultural clashes, – whomever and wherever they officially incorporated society and its name we parents expect them to are. And, by the same token, was changed to the Refugee and Migrant stick with our culture without Commission-Aotearoa New Zealand Inc. understanding the new culture we are also all increased by The membership was expanded to include acts of kindness, and acts representatives from other faiths, refugee in hand, and as a result they of justice, tolerance and by communities and refugee-related agencies. get confused. Parents need standing together in peace Today the RMS Refugee Resettlement parent education for the sake and friendship.” (formerly known as the Refugee and Migrant of their children.” Service) is governed by a board. Ahmed Zaoui, on release from Prison, 22 Ethiopian Quota refugee, two years in NZ March, 2005

8 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues Fasting for his faith - the story of Ali Panah PERSPECTIVES

li Panah arrived in New Zealand in Commissioner Anthony Dancer visited Ali 2002 from Iran. After overstaying Panah in prison prior to his release, they “Protection itself has been the Ahis visa he requested asylum fearing found him lucid and calm though in poor story of a constant evolution persecution based on his conversion health, reporting that he had told them over many centuries, but to Christianity. This was declined. He that as his body wasted away, his spirit today’s climate is particularly refused to sign the deportation documents and faith in God grew stronger. from the Refugee Status Appeals Authority challenging and complex. and was held in Mt Eden Prison for 20 Current global migration months. In a last bid to be recognised For discussion: patterns, in a world rapidly as a political refugee from Islamic Iran, • Should New Zealand follow shrinking because of improved Ali Panah spent 53 days fasting before Australia’s lead and accept communications, involve not he was finally released on humanitarian more asylum seekers who claim only refugees and asylum grounds and given bail in early September persecution in Islamic states 2007. He is one of five Iranian Christians because of their own conversion seekers, but also the often whose applications for refugee status have to Christianity? interlinking movements of been rejected by New Zealand authorities • How can Christians respond to millions of economic migrants in the past two years. those seeking political asylum seeking a better way of life, Ali Panah has received much support and held in captivity? as well as human traffickers from within the Christian community, in • How can we increase our particular the Anglican Church. The Church and their multi-billion dollar knowledge and understanding business.” has provided care and legal support since of the situations in Islamic his release from prison. When Archbishop countries? UNHCR 2007 Moxon and Anglican Social Justice

A Brief History of the UNHCR n 1921, the League of Nations the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and think that should be able to appointed Fridtjof Nansen of Norway 1981. find refuge eg on the basis of as High Commissioner for Refugees. I To learn more about the work of the religious belief? Nansen persuaded 53 nations to agree UNHCR refer to www.unhcr.org to offer protection to passport holders. • What are the benefits and costs These arrangements became the of increasing migration, in New Zealand for example? foundation for the Refugee Convention For discussion: in 1933 and the international laws • Does New Zealand have a special Increased migration has significantly recognising the rights of refugees. The responsibility to our Pacific changed the nature of the global International Office for Refugees was neighbours? community. Millions of people live later re-established as the Office for the outside the country of their birth. • Should New Zealand allow more High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) You may like to discuss some of the skilled workers to enter the in 1950 by the United Nations General following questions: country? Assembly. • Why do people migrate? Poor • Should New Zealand do more Initially the UNHCR was set up for three people? Rich people? to stop skilled New Zealanders years to resettle 1.2 million European leaving the country? refugees, but as further refugee crises • Should people be able to move mushroomed around the globe, its more easily between countries? mandate was extended every five years. • What are some of the UNHCR has to date assisted 50 million consequences of increased people in over 120 countries. By the mid migration on a global scale? 1990s UNHCR was providing programmes • Are there other groups that you and aid to assist 27 million refugees worldwide each year. UNHCR was awarded

Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 9 What are the Churches saying? Churches are concerned that the global trend towards criminalising refugees, asylum seekers regional countries of their choice. and migrants through tightened borders and increased detention results in decreased security for • Advocacy for an inter-regional sea uprooted people and heightened vulnerability to exploitation, by smugglers and human traffickers level rise financial assistance scheme along their journeys and by unscrupulous employers in the host country. Such a response does to finance the cost of mitigation, nothing to address the root causes of forced migration, which include regional conflicts, climate adaptation and resettlement. change and sea level rise, and loss of livelihood due to corporate globalization and free trade agreements that disadvantage countries of the South. (WCC, 2005) • Churches to help prepare intending immigrants, to welcome and help resettle them into their new homelands. Protection for the most vulnerable instances and locations of human-made In a statement made to the UNHCR crises. WCC studies showed that although Welcoming the stranger is not churches have different views on the use of in October 2005, the World Council of optional, Says WCC Churches (WCC) urged the UNHCR to: force for human protection purposes, they agree on the essential role of preventive Around the world, people are leaving • challenge governments not to introduce efforts to avoid and, if possible, tackle the their home countries in search of safety, ever more restrictionist entry policies crisis before it reaches serious stages. freedom or a better life. These migration and to challenge the trend toward using flows are a challenge to churches as The prevention of catastrophic human security concerns to justify detention of migrants bring their own traditions and insecurity requires attention to the all undocumented migrants and asylum- values into local parishes or create their seekers; root causes of insecurity as well as to own religious communities. At the same more immediate or direct causes of • press governments not to pursue time, churches need to live up to their insecurity. Broadly stated, the long-term actions to criminalise migrants or mandate to act and speak out in favour of agenda is to pursue human security those who seek to protect them and the weak where migrants and refugees are and the transformation of life according to encourage governments to do more being victimized to create and facilitate welcoming to the vision of God’s Kingdom. The societies and to foster integration; key elements of human security are A statement from participants said: economic development (meeting basic “Migration is a fact of life. It is as much • insist, as a matter of principle, that needs), universal education, respect for an instinct to survive as it is an inevitable undocumented migrants and asylum- human rights, good governance, political consequence of globalization. We can seekers are detained only in exceptional inclusion and power-sharing, fair trade, neither turn our backs on it, nor control it. circumstances and detained for only a control over the instruments of violence Migrants are not commodities, illegal aliens limited time, and that people can avail or mere victims, they are human beings. themselves of judicial review and legal (small arms in particular), the rule of law Migration is a courageous expression of an advice. Under no circumstances should through law-biding and accountable security individual’s will to overcome adversity and conditions of detention for migrants and institutions, and promoting confidence in asylum-seekers be lower than that for public institutions. live a better life.” convicted criminals. Full text of the statement by the public • to lend its support to this request Climate change refugees hearing on “The Changing Ecclesial by churches for access to detention In a statement from the 9th Assembly of Context: Impact of Migration on Living centres. the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) Together” http://www.oikoumene.org/ held in September 2007, reference was index.php?id=5779 At its 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil given to the plight of those Pacific Nations in February 2006 the WCC adopted a facing increasing sea levels that threaten statement on “Vulnerable Populations their existence and what the future at Risk - the Responsibility to Protect”. might hold for prospective environmental For discussion: The statement distinguishes between refugees from the Pacific. Current refugee • Should New Zealand churches prevention and intervention but also conventions do not allow for environmental mobilise more resources to says that churches have a ministry of factors in forcing people to flee their assist with refugees overseas reconciliation and healing. Furthermore homelands. The PCC called for: and in New Zealand or should the churches have a responsibility to care focus be on prevention? for each other and creation under God’s • Solidarity with the people of Kiribati, sovereignty. Tuvalu and the Marshall Island and • In what way can churches urge for the churches of the Pacific to be the New Zealand government to fulfil its Responsibility to Protect? Our primary concern: Prevention welcoming and compassionate churches to people from these islands wishing to • How can New Zealand churches To be faithful to that responsibility to resettle. take effective action to prevent protect people means above all prevention climate change and work together – prevention of the kinds of catastrophic • Advocacy for a regional immigration policy giving citizens of countries most with the Pacific churches to assaults on individuals and communities affected by climate change, especially prepare for the likelihood of that the world has witnessed in Burundi, sea-level rise, rights to resettlement in accommodating environmental Cambodia, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, the other Pacific Island nations or Pacific refugees from the Pacific? Democratic Republic of Congo, and other

10 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues Reflection:

he following edited extract is instigating the uprising of the masses of the taken from a biblical reflection by poorest of the poor. On arriving in the U.S Prayer: TDr Bahagt Saman of the Coptic today, they would be part of the targets list Orthodox Church in Egypt, presented to of high-level suspicion of terrorism, primarily the World Student Christian Federation because of their place of birth and physical Psalm 31 Executive Committee meeting in June appearance. 2007, Alexandria, Egypt: The most compelling argument Christ gave Shelter me, Lord All Christians owe their salvation to a for caring for the stranger can be found Save me from shame. refugee – Jesus was born in Bethlehem, to in Matthew 25:35-6. In it he gives the which his parents had travelled because of inheritance of the kingdom to those who Let there be justice: the taxation decree. Born in a manger, like cared for him by stating; Save me! the children of many of today’s migrants, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I who are born along the road as their was thirsty and you gave me something to parents seek work and a place to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Help me! Listen! call home. me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, Be quick to the rescue! Throughout his life Jesus moved around. I was sick and you took care of me, I was in He called his disciples to leave what they prison and you visited me...truly I tell you, Be my fortress, my refuge. were doing and to follow him. In fact, if just as you did to one of the least of these Jesus and the twelve disciples tried to who are members of my family, you did it enter the United States today, they would to me.” You, my rock and fortress, either be the victims of expedited removal, This is a mandate to offer hospitality to Prove your good name. which means they would be immediately the stranger: food to the refugees, here Guide me, lead me, returned to their point of origin, or they and abroad; water to the migrants crossing would most probably, be put in immigration the desert; an open church door to the Free me from this trap. detention. They were Middle Eastern stranger with nowhere to turn; clothing to men. They had no specific home. They the migrant newly arrived or the refugee moved from place to place and often being resettled in your town; medical You are my shelter; interacted with stigmatised communities. care for the migrant workers, immigrants, I put myself in your hands, They went away into the mountains and refugees, asylum seekers prison visits to across the lakes. They were suspected detained asylum seekers and immigrants. Knowing you will save me, of trying to mobilize the masses against Responding to these needs can be the Lord God of truth. the government. It is not known how they foundation of a ministry to the strangers in supported themselves, and at times, our communities and our land and are ways they met in rented rooms. Large crowds to practice inclusive hospitality. Jesus was You hate the slaves of idols, followed them and both the religious and not only a refugee and a migrant; he was But I trust in you. political communities thought they were also undocumented both as a child and at the end of his life. We know that Jesus I dance for joy at your constant love. was crucified “outside the gates” of the city PERSPECTIVES because he was not a citizen (Hebrews 13:12). You saw me suffer, you know my pain. As Christians, we know that he died for You let no enemy cage me, “We commit ourselves anew to the sins of the world, but at that time But set my feet on open ground. listen, learn, and be challenged the theological implications of his death by the voices of our sisters and were not considered in handing down his sentence. Jesus was crucified because brothers of every faith, race, Glory to God, Source of all being, he was one with the oppressed and nationality, class, and age in marginalised people of the time, and the Eternal Word and Holy Spirit: detention. May we ourselves religious and political powers feared he was As it was in the beginning, is now be faithful travelers on a journey instigating an uprising of the poor. He was whose destination is a world one with the day labourer, the least, the And shall be for ever. last and the lost. He did not have the rights of life, love and liberation. We of a citizen; he was one with each and seek the active support of every undocumented migrant in the world. Amen. the UNHCR and other United Because he did not have these rights, his Nations’ bodies in this noble crucifixion had to be outside the gates and goal.” it was in the garbage dump of the city. He suffered, so others would not have to do WCC, 2005 the same.

Hot Topics • Topic 8 • May 2008 • 11 Resources:

World Refugee Day is recognised each year on 21st June. International: The UNHCR provides information about global events. In New - http://web.amnesty.org/pages/ Zealand, Christian World Service encourages churches to refugees-index-eng observe this day on the closest Sunday. To download worship resources from CWS go to: www.cws.org.nz/. To find out more Commission on the Rights of Refugee Women - www. about World Refugee Day refer to: www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/ womenscommission.org/ Human Rights Watch - www.hrw.org/ vtx/events?id=3e7f46e04 International Organization on Migration - www.iom.int/jahia/ NZ Immigration Service - www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/ jsp/index.jsp rdonlyres/60E7836A-D2B6-4628-BC63-4EFBAB2825DF/0/ Refugees International - www.refugeesinternational.org Refugees.pdf United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) - www. “The Stranger within our Gates – Uprooted people in the world unhcr.org today.” Jacques, A. WCC, 1986 World Council of Churches - www.oikoumene.org “The Treaty of Waitangi and Immigration Policy” The Joint Public Questions Committee paper, 1997 World Refugee Survey http://www.refugees.org/article. aspx?id=1941 “Thinking through Immigration” prepared by the Churches Agency on Social Issues (CASI) available - www.casi.org.nz/ Worldwide Refugee News - www.worldrefugee.com publications/immigration%202004.pdf “Voices of Refugees – A journey of Re-settlement in New Zealand”, NZIS, 2005, www.immigration.govt.nz/community/ For information about the case studies refer to: general/generalinformation/research/generalresearch/ www.freezaoui.org.nz/ refugees/Refugee+Voices/ www.amnesty.org.nz/zaoui “Welcoming the Stranger” by Caritas, 2002, available to www.scoop.co.nz/features/nauru.html download from www.caritas.org.nz/?sid=86 www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_ id=549&objectid=10458208 Useful Websites: http://www.crikey.com.au/Politics/20080326-From-Tampa- refugee-to-Kiwi-spelling-bee-whiz-.html New Zealand: Refugee Resettlement (RMS) www.rms.org.nz Refugee Law in NZ www.refugee.org.nz Refugee Council of New Zealand www.rc.org.nz/ Refugee Voices: www.immigration.govt.nz/community/general/ generalinformation/research/generalresearch/refugees/ Refugee+Voices/

The Churches’ Agency on International Issues: c/- Christian World Service, PO Box 22652 Christchurch 8142, Aotearoa New Zealand Phone: (64 3) 366 9274 • Email: [email protected] • www.cws.org.nz 12 • The Churches’ Agency on International Issues