In May 2024, CAPRS played a key role in advocating for stronger protections for asylum seekers who may arrive in New Zealand by boat. CAPRS coordinated an open letter from the refugee sector, calling on the government to ensure that policies for maritime arrivals met international obligations, including the Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement.
In the weeks leading up to the letter’s release, CAPRS worked with civil society organisations, legal experts, and refugee advocates to develop the message. The letter highlighted the risks faced by asylum seekers arriving by sea and stressed the need for a humane and rights-based approach to processing claims, including fair legal procedures and adequate support services.
Following the letter’s submission, CAPRS engaged in discussions with government representatives to advocate for policies that reflected New Zealand’s international commitments. The Centre’s efforts helped unify the sector around shared concerns and emphasised the importance of New Zealand continuing to provide safety for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
CAPRS remains committed to supporting policy changes that uphold the rights of all asylum seekers, regardless of their mode of arrival, and to ongoing collaboration across the refugee sector.
Read the RNZ article here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517074/call-to-protect-asylum-seekers-who-may-arrive-in-new-zealand-by-boat
Photo: AFP / Louisa Gouliamaki