The Australian government had recently proposed a processing centre for asylum seekers in East Seeker. The proposal for the same was presented to the government of East Timor. With the news in place, there were reports which said that the local the people were opposed to such an idea.

However, the President of East Timor claimed that the Timorese people are not opposed to the proposal brought out by the Australian Minister. He also stated that the decision regarding the same would be taken after a thorough consideration.

The latest in this regard has been that a petition has been presented to Chris Bowen, the Immigration Minister of Australia. This petition clearly opposes a regional processing hub for asylum seekers. The public petition was presented by the Director of Timor-Leste’s NGO Forum – Ms. Dinorah Granadeiro to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship at a reception in Dili.

Apart from standing against the processing centre being built in Timor-Leste, it also mentions the poor record of human rights in Australia when it comes to the asylum seekers. It also highlighted on the nation’s duty to receive and cater to the asylum seekers on its own soil.

Ms. Granadeiro said that they reject such a proposal and she also gave an open letter which stated many problems with the proposal presented by Australia. It specifically mentioned that building and running such a centre would clearly divert away from the needs of Timor-Leste which include housing, education and health care.

The scenario clearly depicts that there is more than what meets the eye. It is yet to be seen whether the outcome would be in the favor of the Australians as more and more local people come out with their support against this processing center.