BY KAMALA EMANUEL
HOBART — Hundreds of people have attended refugee solidarity activities here in recent weeks. This bodes well for a major rally against the mandatory detention of asylum seekers on June 22.
On May 2, 250 people attended a forum organised by Tasmanians for Refugees to hear reports from Dr Amir al Obaidi, a refugee who had been detained at the Woomera detention centre, and three Tasmanian legal volunteers who have visited the notorious detention centre.
Morgan Hughes, Sandy Duncanson and Ralph Forehead described the stark, cramped living conditions at the centre and the uncertainties faced by detainees as they await visas, the results of appeals or possible deportation.
Following the Easter protests at Woomera, detainee showed Forehead injuries that had been inflicted by guards. He said that detainees in the centre had been systematically brutalised by Australasian Correctional Management staff.
On May 5, United Nations Association of Australia president Margaret Reynolds delivered a paper to 100 people. She asked,"Can we continue to let Australia flaunt international law?". She pointed out that, according to the 1951 Geneva Convention, to which Australia is a signatory, it is not unlawful for people to seek refuge and Australia's mandatory detention of asylum seekers contravenes international law.
The former Labor senator criticised the ALP for being no better than the Coalition government on this issue. Also speaking at the forum was Adelaide Anglican Bishop Ian George, who emphasised that all mandatory detention of asylum seekers was unacceptable.
A screening of SKA-TV's Woomera 2002 by Socialist Alliance on May 7 attracted 20 people. The video prompted a strong debate over the tactics of the protesters at the Easter Woomera protest.
[Contact Alex Bainbridge on 6234 6397 if you can help organise or publicise the June 22 rally.]
From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, May 22, 2002.
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