“Clearly these people are desperate and are right to be demanding fairer treatment than they are receiving.

“The Government’s decision to exclude refugees from the recently announced overstayers’ amnesty highlights an inconsistent and inhumane approach to the treatment of immigrants,” says Mr Dunne.

He says the hunger strikers are being treated differently simply because they are refugees.

“Not only is this morally wrong, but many of these people would be good migrants who could make a positive contribution to New Zealand’s economic and social future.

“Again this highlights the lack of an overall immigration and population strategy with sensible migration settlement policies. Only by establishing such a strategy can we ensure all potential migrants are treated fairly and that there is a mutual benefit for new migrants and New Zealand citizens,” says Mr Dunne.

ENDS