Whilst Europe waits eagerly for the vaccines against Covid-19 to get approved by the European Medicines Agency. In Sweden an opinion poll has shown that every fourth Swede is unwilling to get vaccinated, Ellinor Friström has more in this report. https://soundcloud.com/user493323435/vaccine-fear
Find a job before Friday or get a one-way ticket to Afghanistan
15 December, Stockholm In the dark and damp December weather, a group of people are standing outside the immigrant detention centre in Märsta, 40 km north of Stockholm. It is cold and they have braved the ban on public gatherings because inside the building on the other side of the road are migrants locked up... Continue Reading →
“Art and music helped me survive”: Stories from inside
“I am looking at you from the window, I want to tell you I love you,” so begins Mostafa Azimitabar’s song ‘Love’ which he dedicated to the people fighting for his freedom. From the third floor of his hotel room Azimitabar a 34-year-old Kurdish refugee from Iran looks out over the street below. Sometimes protesters show... Continue Reading →
‘No justice, no peace!’: Thousands of people flocked to Melbourne city as part of Black Lives Matter protest
By Ellinor Friström | June 12, 2020 | 4:16 PM Tens of thousands of people marched across Australian cities on Saturday as part of a protest against police brutality and racism. In the city of Melbourne, it's estimated that 10,000 people showed up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNZDc66kwco Member of Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and organiser Dr... Continue Reading →
Protesters stand up for refugee rights despite ban on public gatherings
Outside a terraced house in Preston, Northern Melbourne, a group of activists are busy making preparations. On the hedges they’ve put up a banner with the message, “We wont be silenced! Stand up for refugees - No border force – No turnbacks – Close Manus and Nauru”. Across the street inside Mantra Hotel 65 men... Continue Reading →
A Tamil refugee has attempted suicide at Mantra Hotel
Ellinor Friström| May 12, 2020 | 10:16 PM A 32-year-old Tamil refugee has been taken to hospital after he attempted suicide at Mantra Hotel in Preston, Northern Melbourne. The incident occurred around 2.30 pm and the man was taken to hospital by ambulance where he is reported to be in stable condition. Moz Azimi another... Continue Reading →
A Sikh charity is delivering free groceries to international students in need
Ellinor Friström| April 13, 2020 | 3.30 PM A Sikh charity in Northern Melbourne is working selflessly to deliver free groceries to those in need during the coronavirus epidemic. Since last Sunday the Khalsa foundation Australia has delivered around 350 grocery bags, mainly to international students struggling financially. One of the members Kamaldeep Singh has... Continue Reading →
More cannabis users are being treated for mental health issues
The number of cannabis users who are being treated for or diagnosed with mental health issues has risen sharply since 2010 according to data from the Institute of Health and Welfare. There is also an increase in cannabis users reporting high or very high levels of psychological distress. The percentage of people with mental and... Continue Reading →