Save the Children welcomes the announcement by the Albanese Government that Australia’s humanitarian intake will increase as conflict and climate change drive millions from their homes globally.
The federal government will lift Australia's humanitarian intake from its previous cap of 17,875 to 20,000 places.
Globally the number of children in humanitarian need has skyrocketed more than 20 percent since 2022 and more than one per cent of the world’s population are now displaced.
Save the Children CEO Mat Tinkler said the announcement is a critical step forward, but more can be done to address the growing need.
“The global refugee burden is extraordinary, driven by the impacts of conflict and the climate crisis, and resulting in millions of people being pushed from their homes.
“More and more children and their families are impacted by conflict, climate shocks and economic devastation and last year, over 100 million people were displaced, a record the United Nations said should never have been set.
“Countries have an obligation under international law to allow refugees to ask for asylum and for safe passage to protect them from harm and to provide shelter – especially children. Australia should be proud to do its part.
“While the increase in humanitarian intake is welcomed, we call on the government to go further and increase the intake to at least 30,000 as a reflection of the exponential growth in the number of refugees globally.”
Save the Children in its 2023-24 Budget Submission called on the Australian government to strengthen Australia’s humanitarian resettlement program and increase its humanitarian intake to 30,000 places.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mala Darmadi on 0425562113 or media.team@savethechildren.org.au.