Kids don't belong in detention

On the first day of the Darwin convergence for refugee rights, activists visited the Darwin Airport Lodge (DAL) after rallying in the city.

Refugees inside the detention camp lined the second level balconies to wave, sing and shout for freedom. People on both sides of the fence were involved in chants for freedom in English, Farsi and Tamil.

Children in the detention centre wrote signs explaining that they want their freedom and a number of notes were thrown out to the activists.

Police initially tried to stop refugees passing notes even going so far as to seize one. They relented when activists explained that it is not illegal for refugees to communicate with their supporters outside and when police could not point to a single law which prevents the passing of notes.

In some instances, Serco guards physically stood between refugees and activists.

The DAL visit followed a 135 strong rally in Darwin city the same day. Activists will return to DAL on April 7 and will also visit Northern Immigration Detention Centre and the Wickham Point detention centre as part of the convergence.

[Read more of Green Left's refugee rights coverage.]

From GLW issue 917