17 April 2008

Bilal Amani a Victoria University law graduate who came to Australia as an Afghani refugee 14 years ago has released a study on the over-representation of Sudanese in Victoria's criminal justice system.

He said: "The issue of the Sudanese not integrating into Australian society is topical, but nobody has really looked at this from a legal perspective before. It is of particular interest to me because I am also a refugee."

The Dandenong resident volunteered with Victoria Legal Aid, the Casey Community Legal Centre, and the Dandenong Magistrates Court during his undergraduate years, offering him direct contact with many Sudanese, both as victims and offenders. Greater Dandenong has one of the largest Sudanese populations in Australia, with more than 2,500 resettling in the region since 2001.

He said: "I was overwhelmed by their numbers and distressed by the struggle and helplessness, because they seemed to be literally trapped in the criminal justice system."

Bilal said his research showed Australia's resettlement and integration programs were not effective for Horn of Africa migrants, especially in terms of educating them about alien legal concepts, Australia's justice system, and the role of police.

Comparing their situation with that of Indigenous Australians, his study called for the establishment of a self-regulation system headed by village elders, similar to Victoria's recently introduced 'Koori Court'.

He said: "Many Sudanese clients do not even understand the charges they face or that they have committed an offence. This knowledge should have been provided, well before they entered the community."

His research, based on interviews with police, legal authorities, and community members, showed that the entrenched socio-economic disadvantage of many Sudanese migrants is a proven indicator of crime rates, which are higher than average in Victoria among Horn of Africa migrants.

Bilal said current government policies and programs were not effective in addressing language, education, and employment barriers for the Sudanese community, and suggested an African support centre also be established.

Bilal Amani, 22, received a high distinction in his Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree for his dissertation.

He began his Articles in commercial practice this month with leading law firm, TressCox Lawyers. He said that the wealth of practical training he received prior to his graduation largely contributed to his success as one of only a handful of law graduates from all Melbourne universities to secure an Articled Clerkship this year.

Bilal Amani is available for interview: Ph: 0431 579 000

Media Contact: Ms Christine White, Media Manager,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884