Forum defends people smuggling


Photos by Ali Bakhtiavandi

About 60 people attended a March 27 forum in Melbourne titled “Smuggled to freedom: behind the anti-people smuggling rhetoric”. The forum was organised by the Refugee Action Collective Victoria and heard from a number of former refugees and supporters, as well as Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young.

Award-winning writer Arnold Zable told the meeting: “I’m alive today because my mother was a queue jumper.”

Peter Farago, a one-time “people smuggler” from Hungary, said: “People smugglers are the travel agencies of the poor and oppressed. I’ve been a people smuggler and I’m proud of it.”

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.