The United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees has its flaws; it is 60 years old and doesn’t address the complexities of migration in a hyper-globalised era.

Designed for post-World War II refugees, the Convention was drafted in an era of Cold War politics. Today, migration is far more complex with people seeking refuge not only from political events and instability, but from poverty, conflict, economic downturn and persecution.

That said, we are signatories to the convention, if we do not accept it as applicable international law, we should either abandon the convention and set our own standards and practises or work with the UN, to update it.

The latter is the preferred outcome and may go some way to ensuring countries such as India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Thailand become signatories which will alleviate boat arrivals to Australia (as these countries are major transit countries between Australia and main countries of origin).  

Commit to leading reform to The United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees to better reflect migration around the globe today.

Provide adequate funding to develop the reforms.