Flag of Australia
Flag of AustraliaIsrael news photo: (file)

The United Nations has slammed Australia for being “racist” over a new policy that deals with infiltrators into the country.

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay accused Australia of racial discrimination because Canberra has decided to deport its illegal immigrants to Malaysia.

Under its agreement with Malaysia, Australia will transfer 4,000 of the illegal immigrants, most of whom reach the country from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran and Iraq. Another 800 illegal entrants are to be returned to their countries of origin.

“I come from South Africa,” said Pillay,” and I lived under this, and am every way attuned to seeing racial discrimination.

In response, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard explained, “The key message this will deliver to people smugglers and those seeking to make the dangerous sea voyage to Australia is this: Do not get on that boat.

“Under this arrangement, if you arrive in Australian waters and are taken to Malaysia, you will go to the back of the queue.” 

Israel has absorbed thousands of similar illegal immigrants from Sudan and Eritrea who have infiltrated through the southern border with Egypt. The Jewish State has sought to resolve the problem by providing certain support services and then offering fiscal benefits and political intervention for those who decide to return to their countries of origin.