11 October 2024: National and international policy experts will be debating Australia’s refugee policies this weekend at the Rural Australians for Refugees two-yearly conference being held in Kyneton, Victoria (11-13 October). 

Internationally renowned refugees and advocates Behrouz Boochani and Benham Satah are joining Australian sector experts to answer the question of how Australia can move towards inclusive and welcoming policy.

On Saturday, human rights experts will examine Australia’s approach to refugee policy in the global context of heightened concerns about human rights. Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Gillian Triggs (former UNHCR commissioner and RAR patron), and Zaki Haidari (Amnesty International) will lead this discussion.

On Sunday, speakers will focus on the need for reform as we move towards a federal election. David Manne (Refugee Legal) and the Australian Hazara Advocacy Network will speak on the need for widespread reform to protect refugees against harm and meet Australia’s moral and legal human rights obligations.

Philomena Murray, Sister Brigid, Anthea Vogl and Aileen Crowe will examine the ongoing need to mitigate the legacy of racism which has contributed to two decades of exclusionary approaches and rhetoric regarding refugees.

Rural Australians for Refugees President, Reverend Paul Dalzell, emphasised that this is a vital opportunity for Australia to reframe its refugee policy:

“As the world grapples with widespread conflict and war, including in Lebanon and across the Middle East and Yemen, Australia needs to be able to respond quickly with policies based on welcome and safe settlement for people who are displaced.”

Refugees who are leading 24/7 actions around Australia will speak on the need for permanent visas and an end to twelve years of limbo. Their panel on Saturday occurs on day 90 of the Melbourne-based actions.

The two-yearly conference brings together the 75 groups of Rural Australians for Refugees from around Australia. This year’s theme is on Communities Shaping Change.

The conference opens at 5.30pm tonight with welcome addresses by:

·      Refugee and artist Moz Azimitabar

·      International writer and refugee Behrouz Boochani

·      Gillian Triggs, former UNHCR commissioner