Community Development is defined as a group of people who resides close to each other within a geographical area or a widely separated but united by

Introduction

Community Development is defined as a group of people who resides close to each other within a geographical area or a widely separated but united by some common interest and goals (Ife, 2016). Similarly, Australian Institute of Families Studies (2019), explains community development as a broad approach where communities are supported with principles of social justice, collective action, human rights, all aspects of socio-economic activities and inclusive society. Therefore, the members are encouraged to take collective action, participate, make decision on the issues that affect their lives and contribute in developing sustainable and stronger communities in a positive and better way by building community capacity and empowerment in the community (Workforce Council, n.d). The essay uncovers the definition of both Social Justice and Refugees and how the principle of social justice was prevailed to the refugees with some policies in community development of Australia.

Definition

Social Justice

Social justice is the law regulating concept of fairness where each individuals human rights are respected, protected and treated equally irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, religion, race, etc (Department of Economic and social Affairs, 2017). Social justice enhance basic human rights, ensures accessible to health care, educational and employment opportunities, encourage to participate in decision making, safeguard, preserve/secure and promote peace and prosperity in the society (Tyler et al.,2019).

Refugees

Refugee Council of Australia (2019, para 3) defines refugee as any person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality

and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/ herself of the protection of that country.

According to Neumann (2016), Australia has accommodated nearly 10,000 refugees who fled from Europe in mid-1930s. Later Fozdar and Banki (2017), records the mass migration of 2000 Vietnamese marks the turning point of Australias migration in the history. Therefore, the labour government in 1990 then introduced laws and policies to prevail social justice for those fleeing from their homeland both by boat and plane without valid visas are entitled to revery human rights and services (Fozdar & Banki, 2017).

Programs/Policies supporting refugees for social justice

Australias Refugee and Humanitarian Program is part of international efforts to protect, respond and provide specialist for refugees on global humanitarian ground. (Australian Government, 2020). Most visas are offered to onshore and offshore applicants, assessed by United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) wherein it safeguards the rights, seek lasting solutions and wellbeing of refugees and further referred to Australia for resettlements (Parliament of Australia, 2012). Moreover, Australias Government has a program such as Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS), Community Assistance Support (CAS) and Settlement Grants Program for humanitarian entrants to support finding accommodation both short and long term, settlement process, financial and legal issues support (Flatau et al., 2015).

Furthermore, essential service includes income support, housing settlement, employment opportunities, education, healthcare and reunion with the family. Besides, refugees safety and security, restoring sense of dignity, a sense of self-worthiness, regaining a sense of self control and resolving grief about the loss of self, families and country is the utmost support given to the refugees in Australia. (Refugee Council of Australia, 2019).

Non-Government Organization project support to refugees.

Non-Government Organization such as St Vincent de Paul Society has a long history of helping migrants and refugees seeking protection, regaining lives, prosper and thrive after leaving their own country. This non- profit organization not only provide immediate needs such as food, shelter and accommodation but also support financially, offer emergency relief, individual advocacy, legal advice and connect with others in the community (St Vincent de Paul Society, n.d).

St Vincent de Paul Society was first started by assisting thousands of families to settle during the arrival of people from Vietnam and Timor in 1970s. Today, the members still continue to support newly arrived refugees by providing humans basic needs and wants, navigating into the systems, making self-reliant, vibrant and taking part in cohesive community in pursuit of peace and justice (St Vincent de Paul Society, n.d).

Conclusion

Community is more of coming together, supporting and securing the future growth of neighbourhood than group of people living within a place with one another. Its a process where community members made decision and take the lead which is negatively impacting their wellbeing (Workforce Council, n.d). Ife (2016) explains for stronger, vibrant and more resilient communities, the involvement of community members is very important as well as empowerment of people is highly encouraged to recognise the challenge conditions in the communities.

Social Justice is the basic fundamental principle of human rights of every living individual in the planet earth irrespective of cast, religion, gender and should deserve same rights, entitlements and equal opportunities to improves the lives of the people (Tyler et al.,2019).

Although, Australia has committed to uphold and respect the human rights of people seeking asylum and refugees yet, Australia in some way fails due to some government policies being inconsistent with the international human rights and moral obligations (St Vincent de Paul Society, n.d).

Killedar and Harris (2017) expresses people who seek asylum in Australia do not always receives justice on their claims instead face detrimental effects on their physical, social and mental health due to the policy of prolonged mandatory immigration detention and uncertainties.

To ease the problem, the policy of mandatory detention can be reviewed. The onshore and offshore application process should be reassessed in order to secure Permanent Residency and resettling in a place where they can call home. Such changes will ultimately improve social and mental health of refugees and can justify those seeking justification (Killedar & Harris, 2017).

Therefore, strategy such as, engaging with refugees, government cooperating and funding, inclusive society, decision making after consultation with group of refugees can bring everybody on board and make better future in their lives of refugees (Refugee Council of Australia, 2019).

Nevertheless, the Australian Government should keep encouraging, empowering and building their ideas, strengths and leadership to help regain and restore their lost self-worth and sense of belongings (Vrachnas et al., 2011).

References

Australian Government. (2019). What is community development. Australian Institute of Family Studies. https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/expert-panel-project/what-community-development

Australian Government. (2020). Refugee and humanitarian program. Department of Home Affairs. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/refugee-and-humanitarian-program.

Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2017). Social Inclusion. https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/international-days/world-day-of-social-justice/world-day-of-social-justice-2017.html.

Flatau, P., Smith, J., Carson, G., Miller, J., Burvill, A., & Brand, R. (2015). The housing and homelessness journeys of refugees in Australia.Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute: Melbourne, Australia.

Fozdar, F., & Banki, S. (2017). Settling refugees in Australia: Achievements and challenges.International Journal of Migration and Border Studies,3(1), 43-66.

Ife, J. (2013).Community development in an uncertain world. Cambridge University Press.

Killedar, A., & Harris, P. (2017). Australia's refugee policies and their health impact: A review of the evidence and recommendations for the Australian government. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 41(4), 335-337. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2288676477?accountid=192049

Neumann, K. (2016). The settlement of refugees in Australia: a bibliography.Melbourne: Swinburne Institute for Social Research.

Parliament of Australia. (2012). Developments in Australian refugee law and policy 2010-2011. https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/2011-2012/RefugeeLawRefugee Council of Australia. (2019). Who is refugee? Who is an asylum seeker? https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/who-is-a-refugee/

Refugees and people seeking Asylum. (n.d). Vinnies NSW social justice statement. https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/312426_Refugee_and_People_Seeking_Asylum_Social_Justice_Statement.pdf

Refugee Council of Australia. (2019). Settling in Australia: the challenges. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/settlement-challenges/

St Vincent de Paul Society. (n.d.). Refugees and people seeking asylum: Social Justice Statement, Retrieved from https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/312426_Refugee_and_People_Seeking_Asylum_Social_Justice_Statement.pdf

Tyler, T. R., Boeckmann, R. J., Smith, H. J., & Huo, Y. J. (2019).Social justice in a diverse society. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429306310

Vrachnas, J., Bagaric, M., Dimopoulos, P., & Pathinayake, A. (2011).Migration and refugee law: Principles and practice in Australia. Cambridge University Press.

Workforce Council. (n.d). An Introduction to Community Development. Health and Community Services https://www.checkup.org.au/icms_docs/182821_16_GUIDE_An_Introduction_to_Community_Development.pdf .