Opinion: Australia's indecency

Australia's government disgraced itself when it failed to offer immediate humanitarian aid to a Norwegian cargo ship carrying hundreds of refugees, anchored off Australia's Christmas Island. Prime Minister John Howard, who sent heavily armed guards onto the already overcrowded ship Wednesday, has refused entry to the 438 migrants on board, despite pleas from Norway's prime minister, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international leaders. Howard, in the midst of a tight re-election, apparently calculated that looking tough on immigration was more important than displaying basic human decency.

Indonesia's government also has warned it will use force to prevent the cargo ship Tampa, whose crew rescued the immigrants from a sinking Indonesian boat, from returning there. However, Australia, unlike Indonesia, has a tradition of respect for human rights. In any case, the international convention on refugees provides that they be given entry to the nearest port, which is Australian territory.

Howard could have acted humanely and still protected Australia's interests. Giving the occupants of the Tampa temporary haven would not have committed Australia's government to giving all of them permanent residency. The ultimate fate of the refugees should be determined once they are off the high seas and in secure surroundings.

Australia's frustration with illegal human smuggling is understandable. Christmas Island, Australia's most remote territory, has become an inviting entry point for organized smuggling rings, many of which operate out of Indonesia. Still, those on the Tampa shouldn't be held hostage to that dispute. If it had dealt more humanely with the refugees from the start, Australia's government would have stronger moral standing in pressing Indonesia, U.N. officials and other international authorities for more serious measures to counter illegal smuggling. Instead, Prime Minister Howard has exploited a human tragedy that will leave a stain on Australia's history long after he leaves office.

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