Sophia's Day for refugees

BRISBANE — On June 8, Kimberley College organised a refugee-rights focussed "Sophia's Day".

Sophia's family fled Chile because her father, a trade union activist, faced repression by the authorities. Whilst waiting for their application to be heard in Brisbane, the family was not granted access to Medicare or Centrelink facilities. The parents were not allowed to work for wages, and voluntary work was likewise forbidden. Twelve-year-old Sophia was not permitted to attend school and the family was denied government housing.

Speakers at Sophia's Day discussed how inhumane refugee policies have harmed thousands of Sophias and families like hers. Students were urged to get involved in campaigns for refugees' rights.

Fay Waddington

From Green Left Weekly, June 22, 2005.

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From GLW issue 630