Tragedy again for Christmas Island

Image source: Channel 7

Go here for the full report as published by WA Today.  While the headline says it was a people smugglers’ boat, I saw no evidence of that in the article.  People smugglers indicates the illegal trafficking of asylum seekers.  While this may well be suspected, may well prove to be true, I do wish the media would not inflame the situation until the facts are in.

If anyone thinks people take these risks without good reason, I ask them to think again.

I have heard the most ridiculous statements about asylum seekers.  Such as they should come by plane if they can afford a boat ride.  My husband came by plane, it didn’t do him much good.  I remind people that they should watch “The Sound of Music” again.  The von Trapp family were asylum seekers.  I didn’t notice them catching a plane, for what were very obvious reasons.  They walked over the mountains.  If it has been necessary, they would have taken a boat.

The von Trapps were rich, white and fleeing a tyrant.  They were asylum seekers, refugees. Yet we like their story.  It is wonderful, is it not? 

There were children on that boat today, as there are children seeking asylum the world over.  They were not rich and white, perhaps, but they were fleeing.  Watch the movie again.  Let us offer those who seek refuge the same chance at a future the von Trapps were offered.  Let us honour our international commitments.

I would also like to refer you to the first entry on this site, looking at the conditions of Christmas Island’s detention centre.