Charlene Fernando

FRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has thrown into sharp focus the way in which women and girls often face the consequences of war and conflict in a more pronounced and protracted way. Although some mechanisms for protection do exist, the increase in global conflicts over the past decade merits a global effort to further strengthen and reinforce the rights of refugee women and girls, who face unique challenges to their safety and rehabilitation.
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#HOMETOBILO – A TURNING POINT IN AUSTRALIA’S ASYLUM SEEKER POLICIES?

Successive Australian governments have been no stranger to condemnation for their hard-line stance on asylum seekers. They make no apology for it, cloaking their policies in a robe of ostensible utilitarianism. However, in recent months, the Coalition has faced strong backlash both domestically and internationally for its treatment of the Murugappan family, who have come to be known simply as the “Biloela Family”. This is in reference to the Queensland town in which they were working and residing before being placed in detention. This latest bookmark in Australia’s uncompromising approach towards asylum seekers has raised questions about the authenticity of its commitment to various international instruments. … Continue reading#HOMETOBILO – A TURNING POINT IN AUSTRALIA’S ASYLUM SEEKER POLICIES?

INDIA’S COVID CATASTROPHE – HOW DID IT GO SO WRONG?

India crossed the devastating milestone of 242,000 deaths on 10 May, following several consecutive days of over 400,000 COVID cases. Images of mass cremations and steep graphs have taken centre stage on news reports, amid fears that the true number could be far greater than reported – potentially 30 times higher, this equating to approximately half a billion cases nationally. Globally, there is a resounding question – how did it go so wrong for India? … Continue readingINDIA’S COVID CATASTROPHE – HOW DID IT GO SO WRONG?

JOURNALISTS: PAWNS IN A VOLATILE CHESSBOARD?

The arrest of high-profile Australian journalist Cheng Lei in China on suspicion of ‘criminal activity endangering China’s national security’ triggered a series of events that was coined by some commentators as a unique diplomatic standoff. This included Australian correspondents, Bill Birtles and Mike Smith, being … Continue readingJOURNALISTS: PAWNS IN A VOLATILE CHESSBOARD?

A PASSAGE THROUGH INDIA

Although it is an uncomfortable truth to confront, COVID-19 has exposed deep-rooted inequalities within hierarchies globally, which have enabled certain classes of people to benefit from exploiting a perceived ‘lower’ class. Whilst the pandemic itself has been indiscriminate, it is clear that disadvantaged groups have … Continue readingA PASSAGE THROUGH INDIA

THIS IS AMERICA

“I can’t breathe.” The final, haunting words of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man who was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, eerily reflects the plight of present day America. These words have become a resounding cry of protest, as America collectively … Continue readingTHIS IS AMERICA

INCREASED SURVEILLANCE TO REDUCE CORONAVIRUS: A NECESSARY TRADE-OFF?

This infamous maxim from George Orwell’s 1984 is often expressed in a sardonic manner to describe how figures of authority have increasing access to personal information and how this data is used to control and influence our thoughts and actions. Whilst this may sound alarmist, … Continue readingINCREASED SURVEILLANCE TO REDUCE CORONAVIRUS: A NECESSARY TRADE-OFF?