Fed: Needs of asylum seekers should be priority - HREOC

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2001
Fed: Needs of asylum seekers should be priority - HREOC

The human rights commissioner says the humanitarian needs of 438 asylum seekers on
board a Norwegian ship must take priority.

Australian Special Air Service troops today boarded the Tampa just off Christmas Island
where the ship's captain was trying to take the refugees ashore because he was concerned
about their health.

Human Rights Commissioner Dr SEV OZDOWSKI says he's concerned at the reported deteriorating
conditions on board the vessel.

In a statement, Dr OZDOWSKI says the humanitarian needs of those aboard the Tampa must
take priority over all other issues.

Dr OZDOWSKI says Australia should live up to its humanitarian reputation and should
respond positively in accordance with its traditionally good humanitarian reputation.

AAP RTV sal/arb/jas/rp

KEYWORD: BOAT HREOC (SYDNEY)

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