The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that it will increase the number of entrants brought to Australia under the Refugee and Humanitarian Program from 17,875 to 20,000 people.
The Government’s commitment to increase the program is particularly important when the number of people forcibly displaced by conflict, war and persecution around the world is the largest in over 50 years and is continuing to grow. According to the latest information from the UNHCR, over 2.4 million refugees will be in need of resettlement in the next year which is a 20% increase from previous years.
Many refugees will have experienced torture and other traumatic events in their countries of origin and while fleeing in the search for safety, and will seek our services. Resettlement in Australia will provide new arrivals with not only protection but the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Each year, the eight State and Territory FASSTT services provide support to almost 10,000 people from refugee backgrounds in their healing journeys. We acknowledge the Government’s recognition of and support for our work announced in the recent Commonwealth Budget, in addition to its ongoing support for vital settlement services more generally.
For more information, please contact:
Paris Aristotle,
CEO, Foundation House
The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture
aristotlep@foundationhouse.org.au
(03) 9839 8900
