Introduction

There are a growing number of refugees around the world as abuse and violence
continue to stay unrest. In order to protect the people who are under persecution a
legal document was created for those seeking refuge in other countries, the 1951
convention relating to the Status of Refugees. People are only deemed to enter
another country under the status of Refugee if they are being persecuted for the
reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or trouble in their social group
(Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). Since 1954 Australia has played
an active role in contributing to help the lives of refugees by welcoming them into the
country. Furthermore they have also supplied health provisions to countries in need
such as Pakistan. In 2009, there has been an estimation of 779, 200 refugees from the
regions of East and Horn of Africa. Horn of Africa, also known as Somalia has been
under civil war since 1991. The warfare caused issues within the country where
several militias had formed to help maintain balance. However the balance comes at a
cost of lives. For instance, one influential militia group is known as Al-Shabbab, a
group vowing to eradicate all sorts of Christianity from the country.

Australian Culture
Australia is a country occupied with a diverse and liberal culture and lifestyles.
There are no official types of clothings, state religion, and or language a person must
follow. A stereotypical Australian involves one living in the outback, wrestling with
the crocodiles yet despite the stereotype more than 75% of Australians live a life in
the metropolitan (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012). Typically,
Australians are seen as straightforward and direct with an informal approach
(Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012). The main language spoken is
English with more than 15% being either Italian, Greek, Arabic, Cantonese,
Vietnamese and or Mandarin (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012). 64%
of Australians acknowledged as being Christians but because there is no official state
religion, practice on other religions are acceptable (Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade, 2012). Sports play a major part in the lives of Australians with the most sport
being watched Football and cricket (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012).
There is a restriction in alcohol and smoking until the person turns 18. Australians
generally call each other by first names with no formalities such as Sir, Madam or
Mister and Miss being added unless necessary (Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade, 2012). Since 1945, there have been more than 6.5 million migrants settled in
Australia (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2012).

General Refugee Facts
There is an estimation of 15.4 million of 43.7 million exiled people worldwide
are refugees fleeing for protection from their country (UNHCR, 2011). A refugee is a
person finding refuge in a foreign country due to fear of persecution with reasons
such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion or member of a particular social
group (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). The 1951 convention
relating to the Status of Refugees is a legal document that states the rights and legal
obligations of a refugee (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). During
that time, the Convention had only applied to European refugees during post World
War II. The Convention protects those under the definition of refugee but the
protection is not necessarily permanent.

The United Nations removed the limitations by creating the 1967 Protocol
(Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). The 1967 Protocol reaches out to
all refugees around the world. If the person wishes to return to their home country and
It has been deemed safe their refugee status is naturally removed (voluntary return)
(UNHCR, 2011). A person who requests to escape from their country but they have a
criminal background has a high possibility of being excluded from the rights of the
1951 Convention (UNHCR, 2011). On January 22

1954 Australia officially signed to
participate in the measure of protecting refugees (Department of Immigration and
Citizenship, 2011).

General Australian Refugee Facts
Australia plays an active role in contributing and working with
intergovernmental and non-government organizations such as the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Annual Tripartite Consultations on
Resettlement (ATCR) and Working Group on Resettlement (WGR) (Department of
Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). Since 2008, Australia actively became a key
solution in helping the Bhutanese group to seek refuge in the country (Department of
Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). Australia agreed to take 5,000, the largest group
known to have settled in South Australia (Battersby and Podwin, 2011). They have
also contributed to assisting in medical support and improving living conditions in
Pakistan for Afghan refugees (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). To
further provide aid, Australia offers an estimation of 150,000 tonnes of food per year
to countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Niger and Burma (Department of
Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). Australia has the obligation to provide protection
to the people seeking refuge.

The Refugees Convention does not cover the aspect someone coming from
famine, natural disaster, and civil war or seeking for a better life (Department of
Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). There are two types of methods for refugees to
arrive to Australia, one is by plane with a valid visa and the other is through boat.
Those who seek refuge in Australia by plane are allowed to live in the community
while having their claims assessed however the ones who seek refuge by boat are
immediately sheltered in detention centres (Parliament of Australia, 2011). Detention
centres are assigned to hold non-Australian citizens who have overused their visa or
have it cancelled and or unauthorised arrivals under the Migration Reform Act 1992
(Parliament of Australia, 2011). Throughout the years there has been many changes to
the policy under the Howard and Rudd Government. As of 2008, Immigration
Minister Chris Evans had announced a policy where unauthorized entrants will go
through health, identity and security checks but will not be detained automatically
unless its a last resort (Johnston, 2008). Despite the earnest intent Evans had, the
policy has remained unchanged and continues to be as it is (Parliament of Australia,
2011). As of 2010, children facilitating in detention centres were moved to
community-based lodgings (Parliament of Australia, 2011).

Difference between Asylum seeker and Refugee
A refugee is one who is recognized under the definition of the 1951
convention relating to the Status of Refugees. An asylum seeker is a person who is
seeking international protection but has not yet claimed a refugee status (Parliament
of Australia, 2011). There are two types of humanitarian programs for refugees who
enter the country, the onshore protection and offshore resettlement program.
Australias treatment is distinct in comparison to other countries as it is currently the
only country in the world to declare an onshore and offshore program (Refugee
Council of Australia, 2012).

Onshore Program
The onshore programs objective is to protect the refugees who seek asylum
from inside Australia (Refugee tutoring). It is mandatory for the person applying for
a Protection visa to explain why they are seeking asylum through written words with
assistance from the people of Immigration Advice and Application Assistance
Scheme (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). After the application is
processed, they are to provide further information in an interview that is then further
assessed alongside the conditions on the 1951 Refugees Convention. Most likely the
decision will be reached within 90 days however reasons such as obtaining health,
security and character clearances may delay the process (Department of Immigration
and Citizenship, 2011). Applicants who have failed to receive the visa can seek an
evaluation from the Refugee Review Tribunal or the Administrative Appeals
Tribunal.

Offshore Program
The offshore plan is a resettlement program that aims to help the people who
are subjected to persecution or having their rights violated in their country and have
come to seek refuge (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). The
program consists of two categories, the Refugee category and Special Humanitarian
Program (SHP). Within the Refugee category are four subdivisions Refugee, In-
Country Special Humanitarian, Emergency Rescue and Women at Risk. The refugee
division are for applicants living outside of their country due to persecution
(Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011).
In-Country Special Humanitarian are for those subjected to persecution whilst
still in their home country (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). The
Emergency Rescue defines people that require instant protection for there is an
immediate threat to their life (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011).
Lastly, the women at risk program are intended for female members and their children
who are exposed to danger as their male protectant are no longer around (Department
of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011). The SHP classification is for those subjected
to having their human rights violated in their home country and have connections in
Australia such as family. In order to be eligible for the category, the applicants
connection must be over the age of 18 and have their application supported by them
(Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 2011).

Somalia
Somalia also known as The Horn of Africa is a country that lies on the East
Coast of Africa. Since 1991, the country has been without a central government
(Bruton, 2010, pg6). The country is generally situated in a dry land resulting in
irregular rainfall (CIA, 2012). The only rainy seasons occur in April to June and
October to November (Graff, 2002). 60% of Somalis are part of a nomadic culture
involved with raising livestock, 25% are work with agriculture and about 15% live in
the metropolitan (Bureau of African Affairs, 2012). By the end of 2011, there is a
total of 1, 077, 000 refugees from Somalia, an increase of 10, 000 compared to the
end of 2009 (Department of Immigration, 2011 & UNHCR, 2011). Somalia has
become the country with the third highest rate of where refugees originate.

During the late 1800s the Italian, French, British and Ethiopia ruled the
colonies of Somalia (Graf 2002). The countries claimed authority until the late 1900s
when the United Nations helped the country form Somali Republic on July 1
st
1960
(CIA, 2012). However till this day, Ethiopia still occupies a colony of Somalia. As of
2012 there is an estimation of 9.9 million people residing in the country (Bureau of
African Affairs, 2012). 60% of the people in the country are made up of an ethnic
group known as Somali whilst the Bantu and Arab cultural group occupies a small
portion of the country.

Control of Siad Barre
After uniting the country into one nation in 1960, the north and south
functioned as separate nations (Zapata, 2012). Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, former
President of Somalia had attempted to unite the North and South. Unfortunately, on
October 15 1969 during his trip to Las Anod Shermarke was assassinated by his
bodyguard (Wellington Somali Council, 2012). His death was quickly followed by a
coup dtat with the leader being Muhammad Siad Barre. The coup led to the
suspension of constitution and political parties and the closure of national assembly
and the Supreme Court. Barre renamed Somalia to Somali Democratic Republic and
created a new government entitled Supreme Revolutionary Council (SRC)
(Greenfield 1995). The government followed the Soviet Unions idea of scientific
socialism, a concept derived from Karl Marx (Bureau of African Affairs, 2012). His
governing was based on military force than politics, and enforcing fear on the nation
(Bureau of African Affairs, 2012).

In 1977, Barre had wanted to gain control Ethiopias side of Somalia,
Ogaden, to create a Greater Somalia (War Memorial, 2012). Historically, the event
became known as the Ogaden War that ended in 1978 with the retreat of the Somali
army. As a consequence of the war, Barres leadership was under fire and the
economy of Somalia had declined greatly. Barres control over the country slowly
weakened and by the mid 1990s militaries separated into individual clans with only a
few remaining loyal to Barre (Mohamed & Harmon, 2012). Somalias government
turned totalitarian, where citizens had no control over their public or private life
(Magstadt, 2012). Throughout the turmoil, Ethiopia had encouraged resistance against
the government. This resulted in further disorder that is now known as the Somalia
Civil War. Though there had been no record of any terrorist attacks against U.S or
its allies been linked to Somalia, the United States government has expressed
concern over Somalia being a hideout for terrorists (Dagne, 2010).

Somalia Civil War
The lack of government in 1991 after the fall of Said Barres regime led to
conflict between different clans in a power struggle (Fitzgerald, 2002). The
consequence led to murder, starvation and anarchy that subsequently became known
as a civil warfare (Besteman, 1999). The unstable conditions caused around 300, 000
Somalis to suffer in death between the years of 1991 mid 1992 (Snyder, 2001). The
United Nations had sent forces in 1993 to aid in restoring peace by targeting
Mohamed Farah Aidid, an influential clan warlord (Institute for African
Development, 2000). For two years hey had managed to improve the conditions of
famine but despite trying to help the country there were also clashes between them
and the Somali factions (CIA, 2012). This had led to the United Nations retreating
after two years as there was more harm and casualty than peace been restored (CIA,
2012).

The battle forced numerous Somalis to escape from their homes and seek
refuge in a safer country. Due to the fall and chaos of the country, the Islamic Courts
Union rose to prominence (Roggio, 2007). The Courts dealt with crimes, politics,
economics and personal welfare under the Sharia law (the religious law and moral
code of Islam). The Islamic Courts gained additional power by seizing weapons and
putting it to use and form their own militias such as Al-Shabaab (Roggio, 2007). The
Islamic forces, had taken authority over most of South Somalia, forcing over 26,000
Somali women and children to escape from the violence of the forces and clans to
Kenya (Senker, 2008). The continuous escape has constantly strained the capacity of
Kenya refugee camps (UNHCR, 2011). The warfare continues till this day.

Al-Shabaab
The al-Shabaab, also known as the youth is known to be an affiliation with the
al Qaeda. The group rose to prominence in early 2006 wishing to impose a more
extreme religious system with the Sharia law. The practice of Christianity is kept in
secret for fear of persecution from fundamental Islamists, militants, and some even
from families and friends (Rescue Christians, 2012). Catholic churches have been
abolished and people attend mosques every Fridays in fear of arousing suspicions
(The Economist, 2009). In 2011 Muslim militants reportedly murdered a man who
was allegedly converted to Christianity (The Voice of the Martyrs, 2012). The al-
Shabaab had declared a movement on eradicating Somalia of Christianity, an act that
is exhibited in the group banning school bells because they sound like church bells
(Rescue Christians, 2012). The Islamic militants stop at nothing to eliminate
Christianity on their nation whether it is female, children or families (Rescue
Christians, 2012). They have been deemed as a foreign terrorist organization since
2008 by the United States (Bureau of counterterrorism, 2012).

In 2011, Somalia was consumed by a drought that eventually led to famine in
six different areas of the nation (Bureau of African Affairs, 2012). Along with the
famine, and the control of al-Shabaab, many Somalis had seeked refuge at Kenya,
Djibouti and Ethiopian refugee camps (Bureau of African Affairs, 2012). As the
country reached its crisis, al-Shababb had also banned aid relief groups in working
within their ground (Refugees International, 2012). In spite of the refusal, the UN
declared the famine over with the help of United States on February 2012; however,
there are still 2.34 million Somalis in need of help (Bureau of African Affairs, 2012).
The Ethiopian forces captured Beledweyne and Baidoa, two cities once governed by
the al-Shabaab.

Pirates
As a result of the civil war, and the lack of government to the appearance of
Somali pirates had made international headlines. In 2010, they held 1,191 hostages for
ransom, with 49 of 53 ships hijacked off Somalias coastline (BBC UK, 2011). An
estimation of 1,206 hostages were held captive in 2011, 8 died from the hands of
pirates during attack, 8 died from disease or malnutrition and 19 died during rescue
attempts (ICC Commercial Crime Services, 2012).

Despite all they have done, they consider themselves to be the good guys, a
modern day Robin Hood as the money goes towards the city such as houses being
rebuilt (Harper, 2008). Without the hostages, they have no ransom money therefore
they try to look after the captives the best they can. Eyl, a town near the coastlands of
Somalia has become a comfort zone for pirates, as it is the place where restaurants
cater to their needs (Harper, 2008). With the manifestation of piracy, regions such as
Puntland have engaged in an economic rise (BBC UK, 2012).

Symbol and Colour
Beliefs and values make up a lifestyle choice for certain people and for the
Somali group types of animals can be a symbolic emblem in their culture. Most
Somalis are known to be nomadic therefore a renowned symbol within the Somali
group is the camel, as it is known to be associated with food, transport, status and
income (Farah, 2011). A familys status quo is often affiliated with the number of
camels they possess (Latif, 2010). You can commonly see mechanical vehicles and
motorcycles in the city but it is not surprising to see a Somali walk the street with a
goat, camel and or cattle (Latif, 2007). In addition to the camel, the leopard is also
highly regarded as a symbolic animal to the people of Somalia as it is considered to
be the national symbol of Somalia. The national emblem of Somalia compromises
of two standing African leopards holding a shield signifying its protecting the
country. The National flag of Somalia entails a sky blue background with a white star.
The blue is known to represent the colour of United Nations considering the fact it
was the UN that helped Somalia to become an independent country (World Flags 101,
2012).

Ceremonial Dresses
Traditionally, women of Somali commonly wear a headscarf known as Hijab to
cover their hair to follow their religious lifestyle. Whilst in the countryside, the
women of Somali prefer wearing traditional full length dresses (Maps of World,
2010). There are typically two types of dresses, the Direh or Guntina. The Direh is a
long attire worn over petticoats to shield any kind of skin been exposed. The Guntina
is similar to the Saree, a traditional Indian dress; the dress begins by having it draped
over the shoulder and wrapped around the waist (Somali Culture, 2010). Whilst the
dresses come in decorative designs, the Guntina is generally red and white (Latif,
2009). Nowadays the men of Somali prefer wearing Western pants however at times
they will wear a type of patterned kilt known as Maccawiis accompanied with a shawl
or Western shirt (Somali Culture, 2010). The men are given a choice to wear either a
colourful turban or a type of decorative cap known as the Koofiyad (Somali Culture,
2010). Most Somalis choose to wear Western apparel in the city, work or school
(Latif, 2009).

Economy
Somalias economy is mainly based on agriculture, livestock, forestry and
fishery (Federal Research Division, 2004). Despite having dry weather and
experiencing droughts, agriculture is the most predominant resource (British Chamber
of Commerce (2007). Resources such as copper, gold, uranium, and petroleum can be
found in Somalia however they have yet to capitalize mineral resources (British
Chamber of Commerce (2007). The present currency used in Somalia is Somali
shilling (sos). There are ten types of bank notes used for Somali Shilling, 5, 10, 20,
50, 100, 500 and 1000. The coins of Somali shillings are notably called senti. As of
now, 1 AUD equates to 1, 691.02 SOS.

Cuisine
Somalis thoroughly enjoy the taste of meat in their cuisine and vegetables are
rarely mixed with the main plate unless its a stew as they are mainly used as side
dishes (Somali Culture, 2010). As most Somalis follow the Islamic law, pork and
alcohol is strictly prohibited. The meat served in their food must be also from Halal
meat. Halal meat involves having the animal be killed quickly while reciting a prayer
in the name of Allah (Albala, 2011). There are a large selection of fruits growing on
their land such as bananas, grapes, guava and mango. Fruits can be eaten just as they
are such as slicing a banana and pairing it with rice or commonly made into fresh
juice (Somali Culture, 2010).

Etiquette & Gender Roles
A majority of Somalis believe there is a vast difference between men and
women (Latif, 2009). This can be displayed in table manner as within the family, the
man is catered to eat alone first followed by the woman and children. The right hand
is highly regarded in the culture as clean (Lewis, 2012). Children are trained to use
their right hands in greetings, writing and eating (Lewis, 2012). Somalis are expected
to show respect by greeting their elders as aunt or uncle even if there are no
relations. During the greeting, they will only shake hands with their own gender. For
instance, men will shake hands with another men but they will not touch the women.
Traditionally, women are responsible for the role of housewife where they take care
of the children, cooking and farming (Abdi, 2011). In contrast, the men will tend to
the animals, do the more menial jobs and are the decision makers of the family (Abdi,
2011). Somali women are viewed more as an observer than a doer. They do not have
the power to represent a clan, cannot participate in discussions involving politics, and
they generally do not socialize with men in public (Abdi, 2011). There are only a
minimal amount of women involved in the government as deputies, directors or
coordinators (Abdi, 2011).

Religion
A majority of most residents of Somalia are part of the Sunni Islam branch of
Muslims whilst there is a minority amount of people belonging in Christianity (The
Anglican Planet, 2009). Muslim ethical principles are based on the importance of
honesty; they set out guidelines for behaviour in the family, community and in
everyday situations. This greatly influences the life of a Somali as seen in their
behavior such as marriage. Sunni Muslims are happy to accept the rulings of the
Muslim scholars as mandatory. Somalis comply with the Islamic holidays such as
Ramadan and First of Muharram (Every Culture, 2012). Children over the age of 15
who is in good health is required to participate in Ramadan, a fasting event that is
held at the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (Somali Culture, 2010).

Wedding
In regards to the customs of the wedding culture in a Western society it has
reflected freedom of love. The past norm in Somalia had required Somalis to engage
in arranged marriages between the Father of a young daughter to an older man of
wealth. Whilst nowadays most Somalis has disregarded the traditional custom some
rural areas still commit to the tradition. Somali marriage customs requires the grooms
family to pay a dowry in the form of camels, cattles or money to the brides family
(Latif, 2007). On the other hand the brides side of the family is required to present
the house for the newlywed (Latif, 2007).

As most Somalis follow the Islamic approach (Federal Research Division,
2004), their marriage is vastly different to other religious approaches in marriage such
as Catholicism and Buddhism. The Catholicism rules a man should only be faithful to
one woman during their marriage however Islamic teachings declares a man is allows
up to four wives (Latif, 2007). In the Islamic tradition, marriage is a legal and binding
agreement. Divorce is permissible however strongly discouraged. If the marital
problems are irreconcilable, in front of a witness, the male must say on 3 separate
occasions I divorce you and give the remainder of the dowry to the woman (Latif,
2007). Divorce is not guaranteed if it is the woman who seeks it and she must prove
her case to the Islamic court. If, however, the wife is pregnant during the three-month
time of the divorce with the husbands child, the divorce is regarded as invalid (Latif,
2007). Additionally, remarriage is acceptable after divorce. Marriage is seen as the
right place to have children, and the couple must always be open to the possibility of
starting a family (Lewis, 2008).

Clan
The culture of Somali holds clans in high regards, often said it to be integral to
Somali life (Federal Research Division, 2004). The main clans are: Dir, Darod, Isaq,
Hawiye, Digil and Mirifle (World Vision UK, 2012). There are often disputes with
other clans despite speaking the same language, being from the same country or
partaking the same religious lifestyle. The clan system within the Somali culture
extends to the tribal system. A tribe can be any size but includes more than one clan.
A powerful tribe can influence both political and cultural system (Ohio Homeland
Security, 2012). The Somalia legal system is generalized into three sections, civil law,
religious law and customary law referred to as Xeer (CIA, 2012).

Language, Customs & Gestures
The Somali language is derived from the family of Afro-Asiatic, which is
closely related to Arabic, Swahili, Hebrew and Amharic (UCLA International
Institute, 2012). The Somalis refer to their native tongue as the same name of their
cultural group Somali. Because the group is partly Muslim, Arabic is also
commonly integrated in their language for religious purposes, since it is the language
of the Quran. Some Somalis are also familiar with French, Italian and or English;
often when a Somali sees a stranger they will view them with curiosity however when
they do warm up to the foreigner they are more than happy to display their knowledge
of English (Latif, 2009). Pointing at someone is regarded as insulting because it
would depict them at the same level of a dog (Ohio Homeland Security, 2012). As
most Westerners would view women crossing legs as a sign of etiquette, crossing
legs is viewed as rude in Somali culture. Unless the one crossing their legs are a tribe
leader and or wealthy, it is considered arrogant of the person to cross their legs (Ohio
Homeland Security, 2012). Additionally, the sole of the shoe is considered impure
therefore to show the bottom of your shoe is considered impolite (Ohio Homeland
Security, 2012).

Overview
As the survival rate of refugees continue to grow it is important to note a
social barrier between the countries they seek refuge from and the country they come
from. The absence of government, continuous violence, drought and conflict within
the country has caused more than 300, 000 Somalis to escape from their country
(UNHCR, 2011). The Somali culture is based heavily on a clan and nomadic lifestyle.
They are able to walk on the streets with their camels and or cattles without anyone
blinking an eye thinking it is peculiar. The Australian economy is vastly different
where agriculture is not widely popular. In contrast to their customs, the Somalis have
a more formal lifestyle where they greet strangers with Aunt and Uncle whereas
Australians greet each other casually by names.