Thousands March for Refugees in Melbourne, Calling for Justice and Kindness
Thousands united in Melbourne for the annual Palm Sunday March for Refugees, led by the lively Riff Raff Marching Band. The event highlighted the need for justice and kindness towards refugees, with prominent figures and advocates joining the cause.
Zaki Haidari, a refugee rights campaigner, shared his story. At 17, he fled Afghanistan due to Taliban persecution, seeking asylum by sea in 2012. Despite escaping mass murders targeting the Hazara community, Haidari faced challenges in Australia. Upon arrival, he was denied work rights for three years and lacked funding for study or English lessons.
Haidari persevered, receiving a scholarship to study English and completing diplomas in information technology and graphic design. Now, he campaigns for refugee rights. Gillian Triggs, former United Nations assistant secretary-general, echoed the importance of welcoming refugees, highlighting the role of faith groups in supporting them. The dean of Melbourne, Andreas Loewe, reflected on St. Paul's Cathedral's transformation through welcoming refugees. Michael, a parishioner of St. Mary's North Melbourne, acted on his belief in justice for refugees by joining the march. Medical Students for Refugees representatives Farah and Julia also marched, advocating for better healthcare for refugees.
The Palm Sunday March for Refugees in Melbourne called for Australia to welcome refugees with justice and kindness, including those stranded in Papua New Guinea. Through Haidari's story and the support of advocates like Triggs, the march underscored the need for compassion and action in refugee policies.
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