Asylum seekers - Shame on us — again

In the recent past, when abuses inflicted on children were uncovered, we were outraged and ashamed. Many of us still are but many of us took comfort in the deceit that we did not know such abuse was so prevalent.

Yesterday’s declaration from Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly that our treatment of asylum seekers “may well breach international human rights conventions” means we cannot plead ignorance on this issue.

Many voices, including this newspaper, have repeatedly pointed to the inhumane treatment of people seeking sanctuary here. A proper system does not mean we have to roll out the red carpet for everyone who reaches these shores but it does mean that we would treat others as we would expect to be treated. Shame on us. Again.