House of Welcome Submission on Australia’s Humanitarian Program

This week the House of Welcome provided a submission to the Department of Home Affairs to inform the future directions, management and composition of Australia's Humanitarian Program. The Humanitarian Program is a vital protection instrument for resettlement for forcibly displaced people who have fled armed conflicts, persecution and human rights abuses and, as such, must be protected and expanded. 

These are House of Welcome's key recommendations shared with the Department in our submission:

• A time when global displacement has never been greater and resettlement places are declining worldwide, a staged plan to increase Australia’s Humanitarian Program intake up to 27’000 places is necessary.

• The Australian government must enhance its responsiveness in addressing urgent humanitarian needs and resettlement processes in relation to humanitarian catastrophes and large displacement crises.

• The Australian government must enhance its international responsibility sharing in resettling people seeking safety and the Humanitarian Program’s eligibility must address protection-based needs first and foremost.

• The involvement of diaspora communities in informing resettlement strategies and services must be further supported.  

Download to read the full submission here.