Australia to offer refuge to Iraqi Christians, Yazidis
Updated: 2014-08-14 09:57
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
Displaced people from the minority Yazidi sect, who fled the violence in the Iraqi town of Sinjar, hold a banner as they take part in a demonstration at the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing in Fishkhabour, Dohuk province August 13, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] |
CANBERRA - The Federal Government will open its humanitarian refugee program to as many as 4,000 Iraqi Christians and Yazidis in response to the crisis in Iraq.
US: Evacuation mission in Iraqi mountain unlikely |
Under Australia's annual program, there are 13,750 places, but more than 4,000 visas are set aside to refugees who are "most in need of resettlement" due to desperate circumstances.
A spokeswoman says more than 1,000 places were provided last year to people and families affected by the Syrian conflict.
Thousands of Yazidi refugees who have fled a jihadist onslaught in Iraq have pleaded for international assistance, as Australia prepares to deliver humanitarian supplies to Iraq within days.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott held talks on Wednesday with British Prime Minister David Cameron, senior British ministers and security officials on his plans for some form of intervention in Iraq.
He left the way open for an increased Australian military role to help stop the genocide there. "We will do what we reasonably can within our capacities to assist in averting a humanitarian catastrophe," the prime minister said.
In northern Iraq, around 30,000 Yazidi refugees remain trapped on Mount Sinjar, 11 days after fleeing from Islamic State (IS) militants.
Kurdish and Iraqi forces are continuing their efforts to free the Yazidis, while the United States and other Western aircraft have dropped supplies to help keep the displaced people alive.
The government's offer of refuge came after the new Anglican Primate of Australia, Philip Freier, called for asylum in Australia for Christians facing slaughter in northern Iraq.
Related Stories
130 more US troops in Iraq to 'assess' situation 2014-08-14 07:09
Leading newspaper denies China's exploitation of Iraq 2014-08-13 16:41
US sends 130 more troops to Iraq 2014-08-13 10:34
Iraq's Yazidis haunted by horrors they escaped on Mount Sinjar 2014-08-13 07:42
Kerry urges new inclusive government in Iraq 2014-08-12 16:55
CNPC completes Iraq pipeline despite strife 2014-08-12 09:49
Today's Top News
Chinese film fans mourn for star
Untested Ebola drugs ethical, says WHO
China demands more overseas crude
China halts some US pork imports
Over 1,000 auto firm under probe
Spanish priest with Ebola dies
Russian convoy heads to east Ukraine
UK launches 24-hour visa service in China
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Horrific nightmare at Kunshan factory |
Shaolin: Fists of fame |
Reading into an online age |
China helps fight international war on drugs |
Crackdown on terrorist attacks |
My China Story: Meeting the master |