Ashiana was pleased to co-present a seminar on 23 March 2024 to highlight recent developments in refugee law in Australia arising out of High Court decisions and legislative responses, and the challenges and opportunities of supporting clients from refugee backgrounds.
Our speakers were our Chairperson, Dr Mary Nangrahary, Director, Farid Popal, Director, Robert Lindsay and Associate Professor Mary Anne Kenny of Murdoch University. The seminar was facilitated by Chelsea Francis, Director of the Amnesty International Human Rights Legal Group WA.
In addition to allowing legal practitioners and members of the public to understand more about developments in refugee law in Australia, the seminar served Ashiana’s goals of informing service providers about how to better support and facilitate access to justice for people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds. This includes the importance of effective cross-cultural practice, addressing communication and cultural barriers, and reflecting on what this means for ethical obligations and justice outcomes. Recent decisions in the High Court, including in NZYQ, Benbrika and Alexander, and the continuing legislative responses to those cases by the Australian government, showed us how Australian refugee law remains an area of constant change and challenges. But at the heart of each of these cases is the struggle of an individual and their family to seek a peaceful home.
The seminar was made possible through the support of the Amnesty International Human Rights Legal Group WA and Murdoch University, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events.
Enjoy some images from the day, provided courtesy of Amnesty International Human Rights Legal Group WA.
Chair, Dr Mary Nangrahary
Director, Robert Lindsay
Director, Farid Popal
Associate Professor Mary Anne Kenny
