Tuesday, 20 June 2023

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (13:48): I rise today to speak about Refugee Week, and today, being World Refugee Day, is a very special day to me personally, being a refugee. It is a global event that raises awareness about the dilemma of refugees by honouring their strength, courage and resilience. This special observance sheds light on the crucial need to provide safety and assistance to people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and violence – a journey that I and my family personally experienced when we fled Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.

Our multicultural community is coloured by moving stories of survival and hope. World Refugee Day stands as a reminder that all people deserve a life of dignity and security, irrespective of their nationality or origin, especially with the pressing issues of the global displacement we see nowadays. Australia has welcomed thousands of refugees from various countries, embracing its international obligations and building diverse communities. This week we will observe a variety of events and activities, such as cultural performances, film screenings, educational workshops and fundraising campaigns like the event I attended over the weekend in Thomastown organised by Mrs Dalal Sleiman and the Australian Chaldean Family Welfare, who organise and provide service and guidance to newcomers.

These types of occasions create opportunities for Australians to learn what refugees experience, recognise their valuable contributions to society and express unity with this displaced population worldwide. World Refugee Day is observed globally on this day, 20 June, enriching the nation’s social fabric and fostering greater understanding of this humanitarian issue.