Refugee Action Collective (Vic)

Free the refugees! Let them land, let them stay!

Post election strategy discussion for refugee rights movement

MONDAY JUNE 3, 6:30-8:30PM, 535 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1256560351160360/

Morrison’s election is a setback for refugees, but we know that this is a government that can be fought. Morrison was forced against his wishes to get kids of Nauru.

Come to a post-election strategy discussion hosted by the Refugee Action Collective, to discuss how we can strengthen the refugee movement to get everyone off Manus and Nauru.

We will discuss how we can respond to the re-elected Morrison government, why Morrison no mandate for anti-refugee racism, campaign priorities and ideas, and we will be organising the July 20 Bring Them Here rally
https://www.facebook.com/events/598607583941444

We will also have a comprehensive legal update.

Whether you are affiliated with a refugee activist /advocacy group or you are an independent activist, you are welcome to come along with your ideas. All refugee rights supporters welcome.

Call Chris on 0403 013 183 for more info

No Mandate 4 Refugee Racism: Bring Them Here, Free Priya & Nades

FRIDAY MAY 24, 5:30PM, STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2186205281495043/

Snap Rally:
No Mandate for Refugee Racism – Bring the Refugees Here
Free Priya, Nades & Family

The return of the Morrison government is bad news for refugees.

Priya, Nades and their family now face imminent deportation, and the possibility of immediately getting 150 refugees off Manus and Nauru to NZ is off the table.

But there is no mandate for the refugee cruelty that has marked the last six years of Coalition rule. Refugees barely featured in the election campaign, Morrison has no mandate of his own. He has no mandate for indefinite detention, and no mandate for deportations to danger.

Morrison’s election is a setback but we know that this is a government that can be fought. Morrison was forced against his wishes to get kids of Nauru. That was won together in solidarity with the struggles of refugees themselves, by refusing to be silent, by being active on the streets, and in our workplaces and campuses. Join us this Friday to redouble our efforts to Free Priya, Nades & Family, to Close Manus and Nauru, and Bring the Refugees Here.

Call Chris on 0403 013 183 for more info

MEDIA ALERT 21/03 | SAUDI ASYLUM SEEKERS PROTEST FOR WOMEN’S AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Saudi women asylum seekers and their supporters will hold a protest in front of the Sydney Saudi Arabian consulate from 12.00 – 1.00pm, Friday 22 March, 89 York St, City. Saudi women will speak out at the protest.

The recent case of 18 year-old Saudi woman, Rahaf Mohammed Mutlaq Alqunun, who was detained in Thailand, on her way to seek asylum in Australia, has highlighted both the plight of women in Saudi Arabia, and their problems seeking asylum in the West.

Another 24-year-old Saudi women, Dina Ali Lasloom, also on her way to Australia for protection, was held in Manilla in 2017, until her family came to take her back. Dine feared she would be killed by her family if she was forced to return to Saudi Arabia. She has not been heard of since.

There are many Saudi women in Australia who have applied for protection visas. But the Australia government has left them waiting, in danger, for months and years.

It was the delay by the Australian government considering her case in January, that finally saw Rahaf being given protection in Canada. Rahaf and Dina cases reveal the life and death situation for Saudi women created by the oppressive and often violent male guardianship system that rules women’s lives.

In February, Saudi women also protested in at least two cities calling for the release of Saudi political prisoners being detained without charge. Some women protesters were in turn arrested at the protests.

“By delaying consideration of their protection visas, the Australian government is complicit in the persecution of Saudi women,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “The Saudi asylum seekers need an urgent response from the Australian government. The government also needs to be pro-active to defend women’s and human rights in Saudi Arabia.

“The Australian government is deeply implicated in arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth tens of millions of dollars, yet says nothing about that government’s violation of human rights. Saudi asylum seekers need protection now.”

For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713