We welcome the announcement last night by the Australian Government that it will abolish the Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) regime.

Amnesty International has consistently maintained that the TPV regime has been a clear breach of Australia's international obligations towards refugees who have fled to Australia seeking protection.

By ensuring all recognised refugees will now receive permanent protection, Australia has taken a significant step towards reaffirming itself as a country that respects the human rights for some of the world's most vulnerable individuals.

"Since the inception of the TPV regime in late 1999 thousands of recognised refugees have had to endure a life of limbo, unnecessarily separated from there family, before finally being granted permanent protection," said Dr Graham Thom, Amnesty International Australia's Refugee Coordinator. "For the approximately 1500 refugees still on TPVs this announcement will enable them to get on with their lives and hopefully reunite with loved ones, many of whom they have not seen for years."

We also welcome the decision to increase Australia's offshore humanitarian program. Ongoing violence in Iraq and Dafur, as well as repression in Myanmar has led us, along with a number of other organisations, to call on the Australia to increase its intake.

However, millions of refugees continue to seek sanctuary from violence and persecution around the world. Help us to continue our campaign to pressure all governments to protect the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers. Your support will help us achieve extraordinary change such as this exciting news.

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