Disrespect

When disrespect comes in the form of injury, mistreatment, and is systemic in existing governance arrangements, where does responsibility lie? Join our panel as it discusses the experience of refugee migrants at the hands of the state, the question of responsibility, and the necessary work to overcome ongoing injustice.

Join our panel as it discussed Ibolya Losoncz’s latest book Institutional Disrespect: South Sudanese Experiences of the Structural Marginalisation of Refugee Migrants in Australia (2019).

• Ibolya Losoncz, The Australian National University
• William Abur, Deakin University
• Daniel Ajak, Victoria Legal Aid
• James Atem Mayen, Multicultural Education Aide and Social Worker, Manor Lakes College, Wyndham

Please register to attend the event.

Ibolya Losoncz

Dr Ibolya (Ibi) Losoncz is a researcher at the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), Australian National University. Her research focuses on the experiences of resettled refugees in their dealings with Australian government and social institutions. She has published in a range of international journals and her recent book Institutional Disrespect explores the destructive consequences of democracies relying on institutional processes that are deaf to human needs. Ibi is a Chair of the Board of Companion House: Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma.

William Abur

Dr William Abur is a social worker and a member of the South Sudanese community. William completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree, Master’s degree and PhD at Victoria University. His PhD thesis focused on the settlement challenges of the South Sudanese Community. William has written and published numerous of articles on the topic of migration and the settlement of the South Sudanese community in Australia.

He migrated to Australia in 2005 as a refugee after living in refugee camp for 10 years. He also worked in a refugee camp in Kenya as a counsellor and mental health worker. He has worked in Australia as a social worker in different areas such as mental health, settlement, education and youth and family support roles. He is currently a lecturer at Deakin University where he teaches critical social work and human rights.

Daniel Ajak

Born in Ethiopia after his parents fled their home country of Sudan due to civil war, and having spent 13 years in a Kenyan refugee camp before being accepted for resettlement in Australia, Daniel is now a lawyer working with Victoria Legal Aid.

James Atem Mayen

James Atem Mayen until recently worked as a Project Officer for the Community Support Group at Wyndham Community & Education Centre. Atem is now a Multicultural Education Aide and Social Worker at Manor Lakes College, Wyndham.

Please register to attend the event.

Join us, become a member of the Institute of Postcolonial Studies.