'457 Visa Holders'

by Deborah Ruiz Wall

MIGRATION FLOWS AND THE HUMAN INTERFACE OF TEMPORARY/PERMANENT TRANSNATIONAL WORKERS

Politics Failed Our Constitution

‘Elective dictatorship’ where political process dominates democratic practice is as much of a concern in the Philippines as it is in Australia. Charter change, called ‘ChaCha’ by Filipinos, rears its head again and again.

The following article about HR1109, or ‘ConAss’ (Constituent Assembly) as it has come to be labelled in common parlance, is written by the FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH – PHILIPPINES TEAM.

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Introducing Professor Walden Bello

AKBAYAN’s second representative to Congress

University of the Philippines Professor Walden Bello, AKBAYAN Chair Emeritus, was proclaimed today as AKBAYAN’s second representative in Congress.

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New Publication: “You Can Die Any Time”

Philippines: Arroyo Should Condemn Death Squads

29 April 2009, New York – Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should immediately and unambiguously acknowledge the existence of a death squad responsible for killing hundreds of suspected criminals and street children in Davao City, and condemn such murders, Human Rights Watch said today. Arroyo should order the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters and the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the killings.

Pre-war Filipino communities in Torres Strait

by Anna Shnukal

Kasama readers are aware of the first wave of Filipino migration to Australia in the late 19th century, when hundreds of seamen sought employment in the pearlfields of northern Australia. Filipino crews moved between Broome, Darwin and Thursday Island, establishing links that endure to this day and enriching the local Indigenous societies through their religion, music, cuisine and language. In Torres Strait, the men established the largest Filipino communities of northern Australia on Thursday Island and neighbouring Horn Island.

Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing + 15

Weaving Wisdom, Confronting Crises, Forging the Future

22–24 October 2009
Miriam College, Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

The year 2010 marks the 15th year of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA). It has been half a generation since all member states of the United Nations agreed by consensus to act for Equality, Development and Peace in 12 critical areas of concern.

A mountain of need – the story of Manila’s rubbish dumps

13 January 2009

For anyone who has visited Manila’s garbage dump, the first things that strike you are the stench and the flies – millions of flies. Then you notice the people – hundreds of them – crawling over the huge mountain of rubbish, collecting anything that could be sold for recycling. It’s not just the usual recycling items of paper, glass or aluminium cans, but also old tyres, wood and plastic bags. Anything made of metal such as bedsprings from old mattresses, and even discarded, worn out shoes become valuable for those who have none.

So far, so good, but more can be done to end sex slavery

by Kathleen Maltzahn
Reprinted from “The Age” June 18, 2009

Improved visa rules are a major step to ending the trafficking of women.

Sixty years ago, the international community took an absolute stand against an ancient practice when in Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it said: “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.” This week, the Federal Government has taken us one step closer towards realising this aim.

An island fortress mentality

By Peter van Vliet

ON LINE Opinion - Australia’s e-journal of social and political debate
Posted Monday, 25 May 2009

While it had been a relief to see relative calm return to Australia’s discourse around migrants and refugees during 2008, the last few months have been an unfortunate reminder that sometimes Australia can only too quickly return to national hysteria over matters concerning asylum seekers and refugees.

Sol Trujillo may have had a point with his racism claim

by Stephen Hagan

ON LINE Opinion - Australia’s e-journal of social and political debate
Posted Monday, 22 June 2009

A couple of weeks ago departing Telstra Chief Sol Trujillo was quoted extensively in the media on his comments about Australia being a backward nation of racists. I joined in unison with Indigenous leaders around the nation by offering a wry smirk and a silent nod of approval to an animated Sol while I was viewing his forthright reflection on the evening news.

Norm and Ahmed

The Alex Buzo Company presents the infamous Australian classic Norm and Ahmed by Alex Buzo

In a double bill with the world premiere of its contemporary companion Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah by Alana Valentine

Australian Human Rights Commission

Attacks on international students have racial underpinning

and

We must not forget the displaced peoples of the world

Asia Pacific Women’s Conference

Women, Peace and Security:

VISIONS FOR A NEW WORLD

8-10 September 2009

Philippine Normal University (PNU) Manila, Philippines

Targeting Human Trafficking:
The modern day slave trade

CONFERENCE
The Hall, Creative Industries Precinct,
Queensland University of Technology,
Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.

A one day conference will be held on OCTOBER 17TH 2009. It is open for interested community members and the general public. This conference will also include a photo exhibition by World Vision’s Don’t Trade Lives campaign on child labour and an outdoor movie screening.