Amnesty claims genuine refugees being mistreated

Human rights groups have attacked the Federal Government's decision to deposit a second group of Afghani and Iraqi refugees in inner Melbourne.

Early this morning, 16 refugees including five children arrived in Melbourne, after an 18 hour trip from the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia.

They are being briefed in Footscray by Immigration officials before being taken to a hostel in St Kilda.

The Government came under heavy criticism last week when a busload of refugees were deposited at a backpackers hostel in the city.

Stuart Webb from Amnesty International says they are very concerned that the Government is mistreating people it accepts are genuine refugees.

Kadim Amara, a local Iraqi who has spoken with the refugees this morning, agrees they should be treated better and should be given a good introduction to Australian life.

"Eventually they're going to get Australian citizenship and go on to pledge their loyalty for Australia," he said.

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation