A United Nations body has called for a 'balanced perspective' on the increase of asylum-seekers looking to Australia for protection, with new data showing the nation's modest contribution to a global crisis.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees 2009 report, Asylum Levels and Trends in Industrialised Countries, was released on Tuesday.
The report shows the number of arrivals to Australia is low by world standards, with the nation receiving less than two per cent of all asylum applications in 2009.
The number of asylum-seekers in Australia increased by 29 per cent during 2009, when 6,200 claims were received. Despite that, the figure was still below that of 2000 (13,100 claims) and 2001 (12,400 claims). UNHCR spokesman Richard Towle said the figures were a timely reminder to keep a "balanced perspective" on the number of people seeking refuge due to conflict and unrest. "
In 2009, Afghans replaced Sri Lankans as the second largest group of asylum-seekers arriving in Australia, with the largest group remaining the Chinese, most of whom arrive by air," Mr Towle said.
The opposition argues the surge of asylum-seekers heading to Australia is the result of Labor winding back elements of the former Howard government's border protection regime.
But the government has blamed "push factors" like conflict and displacement for the steady stream of boats - 28 so far this year. Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the UNHCR data showed that Australia was among a number of industrialised countries experiencing the rise in asylum claims.
"The UNHCR report is also a reminder that Australia's recent experience of boat arrivals is part of the global challenge of irregular migration," Senator Evans said in a statement. Australia's increase of 29 per cent during 2009 was small compared to Hungary (50 per cent), Finland (47 per cent), Poland (47 per cent), Belgium (40 per cent) and New Zealand (36 per cent).
Refugee Council of Australia chief Paul Power said the figures should put to rest claims Australia was being "flooded" by asylum seekers. "The only flood we are seeing is of self-serving political rhetoric," Mr Power said in a statement.
"It is clear that refugees continue to seek protection in stable democracies which respect international law and human rights. "Even though Australia's share of asylum-seekers is small, Australia should still be proud to be included among those receiving countries."
