Afghan refugee speaks at La Trobe Uni

BY KATIE NEVILLE

& ADAM BOTTOMLEY

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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From GLW issue 506