2015: The Contribution of Refugees to Australia Society
The 67th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Dec 10, 2015
Three Panel Forum
Kingston for Human Rights Inc. (KFHR) hosted the 2015 International Declaration of Human Rights celebration evening in Clarinda Community Centre. It was opened by Mr. Srini Srinivasan, the Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
“The Contribution of Refugees to Australian Society” was the topic for the guest speakers in the forum. This was based on Article 14 of the International Declaration of Human Rights : Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”
The Speakers
Rev. Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia since 2004:
Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most recognised voices on social justice, leadership and ethics, having engaged in public debates on gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse.
Tim is Chair of the Community Council of Australia, the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce and the National Australia Bank’s Social Responsibility Advisory Council. Has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Alcohol Education and Research Foundation, the Australian National Development Index, Business for Millennium Development, the Australian Council for International Development and as co-chair of Make Poverty History.
Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai (Isaiah), Graduate University of Tasmania in 2014: BA in Social Work, Member of Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) A former refugee from the Republic of Sierra Leone. Arrived in Tasmania in November 2006 after fleeing Sierra Leone due to civil war and spending 14 years in many refugee camps in Guinea, West Africa. He is married with 5 children. Served as People of Australia Ambassador for Tasmania 2012-2014. Chair of Multicultural Policy Review Reference Group for the Tasmanian Government in 2013. Former Chair of the Sierra Leone/Liberia Union of Hobart. Founding member of the African Communities Council of Tasmania. Member the Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs advising the Premier of Tasmania.
Joel Marlan-Tribe, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre:
Joel is an accomplished speaker and teacher having spent a significant part of his career abroad, working in Europe as a tour guide, and last year with the Japanese NGO ‘Peace Boat’ as an educator on topics as diverse as sustainable eating, global education issues, positive psychology and Australian Indigenous issues. Through his overseas experience, Joel brings a global perspective to the local debate around people seeking asylum.
Musical Entertainment
Talented violinist Lara Mladjen
Interview with Rev. Tim Costello
Interview with Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai (Isaiah)
Children’s Art Competition
The Children’s Art competition is a vital component of the event as KFHR believes that the best hope for a harmonious society is by ensuring the next generation is empowered to make the changes needed in the world. The winners were announced and received their prizes. All entries were exhibited for two months in the Clarinda Community Centre.