A coalition of refugee and human rights organisations has written to the leaders of the major parties, urging them to avoid dog-whistling and sowing division throughout the federal election campaign.
Signed by more than 30 groups, including Amnesty International and the Asylum Seekers Centre, the letter warns against using immigrants and asylum seekers as a political football and urges that these groups be treated with respect.
"Political debate — both during and outside election campaigns — has often seen people seeking asylum become the target of unacceptable rhetoric, often describing refugees and people seeking asylum in a degrading and hostile manner," the letter reads.
"This is a poor reflection on how Australia is perceived internationally and undermines our proud record as a truly multicultural nation and as a leader in refugee resettlement and protection principles."
Don't demonise asylum seekers, human rights groups warn politicians. By Olivia Caisley, ABC News