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The Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS) group is a voluntary and non-profit group concerned about the current treatment of asylum seekers in Australia. Officially affiliated with the School of Behavioural Science, 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.

Currently, Australia is the only country in the developed world to imprison asylum seekers until a decision is made on their refugee status. Such a policy is psychologically harmful to asylum seekers, and is legally and economically unsound. We believe alternative policies are necessary, and that the integrity of Australia's borders can be maintained without the need to violate human rights and Australia's international obligations.

What's New

RAS film screening – Refugee Week 2009: As part of Refugee Week, RAS are holding a screening of the documentary, A Well Founded Fear.The screening will be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at the Gryphon Gallery, Graduate Centre (1888 building), Grattan Street, University of Melbourne.

Entry by gold coin donation (profits will go to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre).



RAS Planning Day: RAS held a planning day on 24 May 2009.  Thank you to all involved!

Key outcomes from the meeting include:

• Rewrite of RAS Mission statement with a focus on research and education
• Development of draft plan of RAS future activities and events
• RAS website will undergo revamp and include additional research resources

Further details will be presented in the next RAS bulletin. To receive the RAS bulletin, become a member by signing up to the RAS email list.

RAS Knowledge Transfer Grant - Briefing papers now available: RAS and A Just Australia have completed a set of research-based briefing as part of a joint Knowledge Transfer Project to set priorities for future policy change. The papers are now available for download.

Become a RAS Member

Sign up to the email list to become a RAS member and receive updates and information about asylum seeker issues.

This page, its contents and style, are the responsibility of the author and do not represent the views, policies or opinions of The University of Melbourne.

Author: Researchers for Asylum Seekers. Last Updated: 2 June 2009.