Fed: Aust to take more refugees from Middle East: Andrews

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2007
Fed: Aust to take more refugees from Middle East: Andrews

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - More than 100 refugees from the Middle East will come to Australia
next year under changes to the refugee and humanitarian program announced today.

The Refugee and Humanitarian Program for 2007 and 2008 will be maintained at 13,000 places.

There will be an increase in the number of Middle East and Asian refugees and a reduced
number of African refugees.

Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said the increased intake of Iraqis follows an international
conference on Iraq convened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in April
2007.

"This conference called upon all host countries, including those further afield, to
continue providing protection, humanitarian assistance and hospitality to Iraqis until
such time as conditions have been created to enable voluntary return in safety and dignity,"

Mr Andrews said in a statement.

Mr Andrews said the reduced intake from Africa reflects an improvement in conditions
of some countries and an increase in the number of people returning to their country of
origin.

"The Australian government is committed to responding to humanitarian crises around
the world and delivering comprehensive services that enable new entrants to settle and
become part of our community," Mr Andrews said.

AAP sld/arb/mn

KEYWORD: REFUGEES LEAD

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