Rallies held in Australian cities to welcome refugees

MELBOURNE, Australia (AA) – Thousands of people joined have rallies across Australia to welcome refugees and express opposition to far-right parties’ anti-immigration stances.

News broadcaster ABC reported that the gatherings organized by Welcome to Australia were held in more than 25 cities and towns Saturday to celebrate cultural diversity.

It quoted the group’s chief executive, former refugee Mohammad Al-Khafaji, as saying the Walk Together rallies are “a loud declaration that thousands of Australians believe we are a nation known for our compassion, generosity and welcome”.

Under its hardline immigration policy, Australia launched military-led Operation Sovereign Borders in 2013 to stop anyone -- including refugees and people seeking asylum -- from reaching the country irregularly by boat.

Asylum seekers who arrive by boat are detained in processing centers on the small Pacific islands of Nauru and Manus, where conditions have been described as appalling by rights advocates.

Saturday’s walks were held amid a rise in far-right movements in the country that has seen divisive politician and One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson return to parliament, after being dumped by voters after a single three-year term in 1998.

Among those who joined the rally in Hobart was Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner, who urged Australians to stand up against Hanson’s discourse.

"She [Hanson] declared that Australia was being swamped by Muslims and in which she reiterated a call for a ban on Muslim immigration," ABC quoted Warner as sating.

"I think it's so important for Australians who oppose her views to stand up and be counted,” she added. "As Governor of Tasmania I'm very proud to stand up and say welcome to Australia to all asylum seekers and immigrants, no matter what color or creed."