The rally’s focus is to combine continued agitation for the rights of all asylum seekers and refugees with speaking out against the build up to war with China, an unthinkable nuclear war scenario. Further, we want to emphasise that war creates refugees.
The speakers confirmed for the rally are:
· Zaki Haidari, Afghan Refugee advocate
· Two Tamil young people, Nithurshi and Murugan
· Bishop Vincent Long, Catholic Bishop of Parramatta
· Dorothy Hoddinott, former High School Principal
· Dr David Brophy, University of Sydney China academic
· Warren Smith, Maritime Union of Australia
The new Albanese Labor government has moved to end Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas but continues to leave over 10,000 more on Bridging Visas in long-term limbo, and continues to abandon two hundred and thirty refugees who remain stuck on Nauru and in PNG with little prospect of resettlement.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is now in its second year, and has caused huge loss of life, destruction of property and generated 14 million displaced people. The Palm Sunday rally continues to be a platform to also respond to this catastrophe.
The Australian government must be convinced to support a vision for peace, rather than stoking the fires for war on China. In the meantime, the Australian government must take refugees fleeing Ukraine, Afghanistan and other war zones, as well as stop persecuting those here already who are denied protection.
We ask that you:
1. Endorse the rally to be held at 2pm on Sunday April 2 around the slogans: Permanent Visas for All Refugees, Act for Peace; End Offshore Detention; End the Ban on Indonesian Resettlement; Scrap AUKUS Nuclear Subs; Peace in Ukraine, No War on China. Send your logo to: peter_murphy1_au@bigpond.com
2. Advertise the rally through your organisation’s publicity networks. We can send you posters or leaflets advertising the event if you can make use of them. There is also a Facebook event here that you can share or invite people to at https://www.facebook.com/
3. Make a donation towards the rally costs. Make a direct transfer to Sydney Peace & Justice Coalition BSB 082-024; Account Number 561401082.
For more information please contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713 or Peter Murphy 0418 312 301.