Go Back To Where You Came From Reflection

• What is your initial reaction to the show?

it was a realisation that we are an extremely privlidged country in so many ways. it made me realise that there are people who are faced with horrific conditions that are unimaginable to someone like me who has grown up in such a lucky country. i felt sympathy towards the people in their situation, and can understand why they make the choices that are put in front of them. such as going on a boat and fleeing their home countries. it truly is a rude awakening and a reality check for someone like me.

• What percentage of immigrants are refugee?

1.5 percent are refugees.

• Why does such a small number of people make for such a big deal both politically and in the media? (Give your opinion)

although there is only such a small percentage, because the issue gets s much media coverage it is blown up into something a lot bigger. it's out there in the open for discussion although people don't completely know what their talking about. a lot of people make harsh judgments when really they don't have any idea. this is what makes it such a big deal both politically and in the media.

• Where does Australia rank among countries accepting refugees?

Australia ranks 18th among countries accepting refugees.

• To what extent do we have an obligation to help other people suffering in the world? (your opinion)

i think that - as a country - we need to figure out when we should stop letting people in as refugees. obviously there are more people wanting to come in as refugess than we have the capacity for, which makes the decision to decide whether someone should be allowed to share our freedom or not very difficult. i think that as a country it is our duty to help other developing countries as much as we can. after all, sooner or later, bigger things like global warming and environmental destruction are going to be the most imminent threats we've ever faced as a unified planet.

• How much extra support do refugees receive in comparison to other Australian citizens?

they don't recieve any extra support in comparison to other Australians

• How many Asian nations have signed the UN Refugee Convention?

11 Asian nations have signed the UN Refugee Convention

• Why is it important to note that Malaysia has not signed the UN Refugee Convention? What does this mean for refugees in Malaysia?

Australia is negotiating a deal to send Malaysia unprocessed asylum seekers in exchange for resettling refugees here. However, as a non-signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, Malaysia does not recognise the rights of refugees as defined in the convention, nor does it have the same responsibilities as signatory countries. this means that refugees will notbe treated the same in Malaysia, other countries that defer refugees to Malaysia can not guaruntee the conditions they face will be pleasurable or morally right.