MELBOURNE — Sydney Afghan temporary protection visa holder Riz Wakil spoke to an audience of 120 people at an August 14 campus meeting organised by the La Trobe University Refugee Action Collective.

Wakil, who is on a national speaking tour, described his experiences while held at the Curtin detention centre and what life is like on a TPV. He called for the immediate release of all asylum seekers from detention centres and for full citizenship rights for all refugees.

Ben Zala from La Trobe RAC spoke about RMIT's recent proposal to enter into a contract with the Group 4 prison operators, thereby legitimising the detention centres. However, after a meeting of 250 staff and students expressed opposition the proposal was dropped.

The La Trobe uni education officer Kim Halpin encouraged students to participate in the refugees' rights campaign. The meeting raised $150 to help pay for the Wakil tour.

La Trobe RAC members believe the large turn-out for the meeting will give impetus to an upcoming student general meeting at which La Trobe University students will vote on a proposal to declare the university a “refugee safe haven” and offer free education to all TPV holders.

From Green Left Weekly, August 28, 2002.
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