They are often called "illegals". Also referred to as "boat people", asylum seekers are a topic that is very controversial and constantly in the media.
Australia has signed the 1951 Refugee Convention. In it, it states that any person fearing prosecution because of race, religion, sexual preference, political opinion ect. will be accepted into a country for consideration of refugee status not matter what way the get there.
Yet still we call them "illegals".
Refugees are a tough subject. In one way, we should be compassionate and see it from their point of view. But human nature has taught us to think of ourselves before anyone else. We want to all have jobs, big houses and happy lives before we start letting others in. That's really why we call them "illegals".
Recently at school, we watched the controversial TV series Go Back To Where You Came From. For me, this was a bit confronting and I didn't really anticipate that it would be quite like it was. My mum had been watching it on TV and I had dismissed it as something I wouldn't really be interested in but watching it in class, I realized that I did feel connected to it. Seeing those refugees though, I didn't really expect what I saw.
But then look at me right now. In my nice warm house, writing on my laptop with plenty of food in my belly. Even just the simpleness of having a roof over my head.
One day everything will be different. One day everyone will have a roof over their heads. But I know that it won't just happen. Now is the time to start. Start helping people in need and improving living conditions all over the world.
The future starts now.
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