A SAHARAWI WOMAN SPEAKS OUT IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

May 19, 2003 – (Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara - Oslo) In May/June 2003 a representative of the Saharawi people, Fatima Mahfoud, will visit Australia and New Zealand to tell the story of the Western Sahara conflict from a Saharawi woman's point of view.

She will share her experiences of life in the refugee camps where her people have been living in unbearable conditions for 26 years whilst their families remain trapped in the territories occupied by Morocco where they suffer human rights abuses. It is the first time a Saharawi woman has visited Australia.

Fatima is visiting Australia and NZ to explain the history of the conflict in Western Sahara and to raise awareness of the crucial need for a UN-brokered referendum. There are strong parallels between the East Timorese and the plight of the people of Western Sahara who are still waiting for their referendum.

On 20th May, a welcome reception for Fatima will be hosted in Parliament by the Hon. Dr. Meredith Burgmann, the President of the Legislative Council in NSW Parliament. This will also be a celebration for the 30th anniversary of the Saharawi people's struggle for freedom.

Fatima will be visiting Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. She will also undertake a 10 day trip to New Zealand.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200305190442.html