Racism robs refugee rights

29 Sep 08 @ 11:10am by Rebecca David

A year since the death of Liep Gony, racism still plagues the African community. Picture: Mark Stewart.

GREATER Dandenong’s African community is being deprived of jobs and housing because of racism in the area.

The reality facing many refugees was raised during a community meeting last week.

Sudanese leader Bang Nguoth, who spoke at the meeting, said the rental property market was tough.

“I know many people who have lodged an application with agents and were told the place has been taken, but a few weeks later it is still being advertised in the paper,” Mr Nguoth told the Leader.

“When it is something like yelling things at you on the street it hurts, but you can live with it. This is basic shelter we are talking about.”

Springvale Monash Legal Service director Helen Yandell said the service had received “numerous” complaints of this nature.

The problem comes 12 months after the death of Noble Park teen Liep Gony sent shockwaves around the nation.

His death highlighted racial tensions in the city.

The Sudanese refugee died outside Noble Park train station on September 28.

Two men are waiting trial in the Supreme Court charged with his murder.

On the first anniversary of his death, police say Noble Park’s streets are safer and views towards the African community are improving, but refugees and migrants still face racism in their everyday lives.

Equal Opportunity Human Rights Commission chief executive Helen Szoke said today’s prejudice was much more insidious than name-calling.

“The anti-discrimination law is there to protect you, but if you don’t even get to the interview process it’s very hard to say you’ve been discriminated against,” Dr Szoke told the meeting.

She agreed these issues revealed gaps in anti-discrimination laws that needed to be addressed.

Region 5 multicultural liaison unit officer Joey Herrech said racial attitudes on the street level had improved since last year.