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periodic special intakes. The global SHP was established in November 1981 to provide a means for Australia to offer resettlement to persons who are not refugees within the U.N. definition but still claim and need Australian humanitarian
assistance because of severe discrimination or gross violations of human rights in the country of origin. The program is designed for people who have been sponsored by a relative or community organisation in Australia.
To date, the program has mainly resettled people in a refugee type situation outside their country of nationality. Scope does exist, however, to accept applicants still inside their country: under the SHP Australia recently accepted Polish solidarity activists who have been released from internment by the Polish authorities, and who wish to leave. The Government intends to promote this flexible use of the program
in areas such as Central and South America.
The SHP has been praised by international agencies as providing flexibility in the Australian approach.