“All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why.” – James Thurber
The Latest
Florida School Shooting
A student who witnessed the shooting called out lawmakers on TV, looking directly into the camera and saying: “We’re children. You guys are the adults. You need to take some action and play a role. Work together, come over your politics, and get something... read moreDevastating UNHCR report on Manus & Nauru
Rico Salcedo, the Regional Protection Officer, UNHCR Canberra, recently spent time on Manus and Nauru to assess conditions. Hisreport makes difficult reading. If you are an Australian, it is hard to avoid feeling ashamed: Geneva, 13 February 2018 Update on... read moreDishonest hypocrites
In 1974 the Parliament passed the Trade Practices Act which, by section 52, decreed that a corporation should not “engage in conduct which is misleading or deceptive…”. But parliamentarians are not subject to similar restrictions. We accept without questioning that... read moreSend Our political “Leaders” to The Hague
The International Criminal Court (ICC) sits at The Hague. We joined the ICC in 2002. Since then, our treatment of people seeking asylum has involved various crimes against humanity. So far, 5 communiques have been sent to the ICC, inviting it to investigate and... read moreThe Deal between Australia and PNG
It is worth looking at the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Papua New Guinea. It sets the frame-work for the humanitarian horrors which are unfolding there. Bear in mind: the MOU makes it clear that the purpose of the whole exercise is to... read moreTwo New Books About Asylum Policy
I have recently read two new books about Australia’s policy in relation to boat people. They are both excellent, they both contain a lot of facts which need to be understood, and they both deserve to be widely read. Claire Higgins’ recent book Asylum By... read moreKate Durham to open exhibition in Dandenong
On Thursday 16 November, Kate Durham will speak at the opening of the Home exhibition at the Walker St Gallery in Dandenong. It includes works by Zia Atahi, Renee Dixson, Mahla Karimian, Pierre Mukeba and Zakiria Tahirian Kate spoke at the opening of the Dandenong... read moreLetter from Refugees on Manus
The refugees on Manus have written a letter to some of the leaders of the free world (I have corrected a few spelling mistakes): To the Honourable: President Donald Trump, Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau and also humanitarian people of those... read moreOpen Letter to NZ PM
An open letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Join in: to sign the letter, email here, to show your support 6 November 2017 Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister Private Bag 18888 Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 New Zealand Dear Prime Minister Warm... read moreDoctors for Refugees: Letter to MPs
Doctors For Refugees have written a very well-considered letter to Federal MPs, concerning the crisis on Manus. It captures the problem very well: Dear MP, Immediate action required to prevent humanitarian catastrophe on Manus Island As you know, a major humanitarian... read moreSpeech: Australian Friends of Palestine Association
Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA) is a not for profit incorporated association based in South Australia. It is run professionally by a voluntary Executive Committee and volunteers. It was established in 2004, by Paul Heywood-Smith QC and others.... read moreA Cry For Help
This touching, truthful message is from a refugee suffering on Manus. How can we be so miserable to a tiny group of people? Our politicians have persuaded us to forget the most basic thing: These people are human beings – they need our... read moreA Message From Adam Bandt
I don’t normally pass on messages from politicians, but this one from Adam Bandt is an exception: As we bear witness to the horror that is unfolding on Manus, we cannot be bystanders. If we are silent, we are complicit. If we turn away, we are complicit. We... read moreThe Latest from Manus
Here is a Facebook message from Behrouz Boochani, posted about 4 hours ago: The situation is getting worse in Manus prison camp. The bodies are getting weak and people are developing physical problems. The refugees collected some more water in rubbish bins from a big... read moreLatest News from Manus
The situation on Manus is a humanitarian disaster, entirely Australia’s fault. Here is a message from one of the refugees on Manus, received this afternoon: “EXTERMINATION OF REFUGEES IN MRPC IS UNDER WAY ACCORDING TO THE PLAN. People are starving and... read moreHuman Rights & Social Justice
- The National Pro Bono Resource Centre is an independent organisation that supports and promotes pro bono legal services in Australia.
- JusticeConnect: working to provide effective means for people and organisations in need to access justice
The Arts
Jewellery
- Kate Durham’s jewellery: a small sample
- Kate Durham exhibition of jewellery at fortyfive downstairs: Show ran from 17 Sept to 11 Oct
- A VIDEO showing some of Kate’s work and a few photos: here and here
Art, music and theatre
- what’s on at fortyfive downstairs (45 Flinders Lane Melbourne)
- Wolfgang Sievers photographs for sale
- Fine chamber music: Musica Viva Australia
- Look at this remarkable example of art in cut paper: truly amazing
Asylum Seekers
- Australian Human Rights Commission: Facts about asylum seekers and refugees
- Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre at UNSW: debunking myths about refugees
- New website: Compassion Without Borders
- And find various refugee support groups across Australia here
- Doctors for Refugees
Videos
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