“We need our voices to be heard”: Human Rights and Advocacy Training for Refugee and Migrant Community Leaders in NSW

Over the weekend of May 18 & 19, over 30 refugee and migrant community leaders from 14 countries in South America, Africa, the Middle-East and Asia came together for a special human rights advocacy training program. There were sessions on human rights, how government in Australia works, building advocacy skills, the role of MPs and how to engage the media – and the growing risks of transboundary repression and reprisal for speaking out.

Many of the participants have escaped persecution for their beliefs, their identify and their peaceful advocacy for justice. Some had been raised in Australia. They were all keen to learn how they can better serve their communities in Australia, as well as to advocate more effectively for human rights back in their “home” countries.

“Knowing their rights, how government works and how to get government to listen is vital for both refugee communities and for healthy and strong Australian democracy” said Dr Atem Atem of STARTTS, the lead facilitator of the program.

Sessions were led by Patrick Earle, Dr Melissa Philips, Dr Atem Atem, Dr Mubashar Hasan, Lynda Voltz MP and Amber Schultz.

The program is part of a longer capacity building strategy and program between The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) and DTP and participants identified that they would like further sessions focused on racism, human rights, engaging parliament and the media.