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The Asylum Seeker Project (ASP) is based at Hotham Mission in Melbourne, Australia and works with asylum seekers in the community lawfully awaiting an outcome on their refugee or humanitarian claim, yet denied the right to work, welfare payments or Medicare. Homelessness, health, nutrition, isolation and depresssion are all major concerns for asylum seekers in the community.
We provide free housing, casework and volunteer support, pay for emergencies and provide monthly cash relief. Without Support the
Asylum Seekers Projectour assistance, many asylum seekers would be at risk of becoming homeless, having no means by which to survive or support themselves in the community. The project relies on the support of the community to be able to continue helping asylum seekers.
For the latest Annual Report of the Asylum Seeker Project (2007) click on the top right link above.
Please view the May 2008 ASP Newsletter, which includes ways you can help asylum seeker families and individuals living in the community.
A national campaign has begun arguing for the 'Right to Work' for people seeking Australia's protection. This important campaign is supported by more than 10 agencies fighting for the right to income and healthcare for all asylum seekers in Australia, in line with our international obligations. For more details go to: www.safetynotcharity.victas.uca.org.au
Asylum Seekers and Absconding - The Real Figures There have been many incorrect and misleading statistics and information published recently in relation to asylum seekers and the risk to abscond. Hotham Mission has compiled the actual stastics available both national and internationally, showing the level of absconding for refused asylum seekers as very low. Click here to find out more
The Asylum Seeker Project has completed a document which outlines minimum standards of care for asylum seekers in the community, including asylum seeker children released from detention. The paper argues for Bridging Visas with entitlements to health care, casework and income support. Click here to find out more
ASP nominated for the French Republic's Human Rights Award i
The Asylum Seeker Project at Hotham Mission was nominated for the French Republic's Human Rights Award 2003. There were two themes that year; 1) Protecting women against all forms of violence and discrimination and 2) Improving the situation of detainees. The prize was awarded in Paris by the French Prime Minister on Human Rights Day.
ASP Awarded the Human Rights Award for 2002
The ASP has been awarded the 2002 Human Rights Award for the Community by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). The project has been praised by the judges for the way in which it has not only directly assisted needy asylum seekers by providing support to them when they have nowhere else to go, but for also dealing with the root of the problem by delivering policy proposals to the government, such as the alternative detention model. The project has also demonstrated to the government that it is possible to systematically house asylum seekers when released from detention.
Our Mission Statement
To contribute to the development of a comprehensive framework of support and to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for asylum seekers without any entitlements in Victoria.
'Your project provided a new life to our souls and bodies that were like a wilted plant.'
An asylum seeker family released from detention into the care of ASP
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