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Refugee issues

This category contains 4 posts

Darebin to install memorial to all victims of genocide

A monument to commemorate the victims of genocide and genocidal acts will be erected in a Preston park after a motion to install it passed unopposed at a Darebin council meeting on Monday. A large delegation from the munipality’s diverse ethnic communities was in the gallery of the Preston Town Hall to witness the vote … Continue reading

Vote for boats: freedom flotilla’s refugee message

New Matilda, 9 September: On Election Day, West Papuan activists spread a message of hope and freedom in Melbourne to raise awareness of the Freedom Flotilla, writes Jenny Denton. “Why are we making boats?” four-year-old Lamech asks his mum. “Because your dad and I came here on a boat,” she tells him as she wrestles … Continue reading

Far cry from Flemington – Cup Day refugee welcome

New Matilda, 9 November: About a month ago Jacob Grech was talking with some friends about where to have the Melbourne Cup barbie this year when the idea came to them. “A few of us had been sitting around having a few beers the night before thinking about how we needed to come up with … Continue reading

Detention dividends – Australia’s immigration detention contract

July 2009: “I took my clothes off because they treat us like animals,” said Mercy Guobatia, a detainee at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, where a group of women last year staged a naked protest over inadequate health care and the detention of children. Yarl’s Wood, 90 minutes north of London, is run by Serco, … Continue reading