The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) calls on the Australian Government to seek leave to appear in the Thai court determining the fate of the detained Australian permanent resident and footballer Mr Hakeem Al-Araibi.
“In appearing, the Australian Government should defend its refugee determination process, which found Mr Al-Araibi to be a genuine refugee who has now been resettled in Australia,” FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos said.
Hakeem is a permanent resident of Australia and should be afforded the full weight of Australia’s diplomatic services.
“Australia’s robust and effective refugee determination process has found Mr Al-Araibi as a genuine refugee and he should not be returned to the country from which he fled,” Ms Patetsos stated.
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“It’s time for Australia to escalate this matter to the highest of diplomatic channels and afford Hakeem the same protection as it would to other permanent residents and citizens,” Ms Patetsos said.
“It would be extremely disappointing if Hakeem was extradited without our Government doing everything possible to prevent that.”
FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.
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