Refugee advocates want kids off Nauru

LOCAL support groups against detention of refugee children will hold a vigil in Torquay for seven Thursdays in a row as part of the “Kids Off Nauru” campaign.

Members of Surf Coast Rural Australians for Refugees (SCRAR), Mothers Offering Time Hope Engagement Refugee Support (MOTHERS) will be gathering once a week between October 4 and Universal Children’s Day on November 20.

“Along with World Vision who started the campaign and thousands of others, we will we call on Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to free the 109 children trapped on Nauru by Universal Children’s Day,” SCRAR’s Laura Connor said.

“We need to bring them here and offer resettlement in Australia or find another suitable country that welcomes them.”

The vigils will be held at the corner of Darian Road and the Surf Coast Highway each Thursday from 5.30-6pm.

“In further show of support, you can place a child’s toy on your letter box at the front of your house, take a photo and post it to social media with the #KidsoffNauru hashtag,” Ms Connor said.

“This visual representation of support, which can be placed up until Universal Children’s Day on November 20, will raise awareness and send a clear message to our political leaders that people will not tolerate children being left on Nauru in cruel and inhuman conditions.”

SCRAR will also have a stall at the Torquay Farmers Market in October.

For more information, phone Laura Connor at Torquay Community House on 5261 2583 from Monday-Thursday from 9am-3.30pm, or email [email protected].

For more information on the Kids Off Nauru campaign, head to kidsoffnauru.com.