Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS) is a voluntary, non-profit group concerned about the treatment of asylum seekers in Australia. Specifically, RAS is concerned about the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, the detention of children, the application of offshore regional processing to asylum seekers who reach Australian waters or shores, and other unfair and inhumane treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. RAS believes that the detention of asylum seekers and refugees should be no longer than administratively necessary for identity, health and security checks and that Australia must fulfil its obligations under the United Nations Refugee Convention, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international human rights law.
Officially affiliated with Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, RAS aims to raise awareness of the plight of asylum seekers through forums, conferences, research and the distribution of information on asylum seeker issues.
RAS supports the "Statement of Grave Concern" regarding Australia's MOU with Afghanistan. Have a read:http://www.erc.org.au/mou
Growing calls to ban child detention
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1490367/Growing-calls-to-ban-child-detention
