Unite to Fight Racism Forum

On today's episode, we listen to Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman, Senator Lidia Thorpe and Tamil refugee and member of Refugee Womens Action for Visa Equality, Rathy Barthlote, speaking at the 'Unite to Fight Racism Forum' organised by Refugee Action Collective held on 24 February 2026. Senator Lidia Thorpe shares about her own lived experience of racism, as well as the racism endured by her community. She highlights the need to address systemic racism systemically, rather than in piecemeal fashion such as the Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism. Rathy Barthlote then shares about the struggles she faced in fighting for visa equality for refugees, as well as the wins they have achieved through their concerted campaign. She notes the systemic racism that manifests in policies such as offshore processing, that continues to dehumanise and demonise those who are from 'lesser' countries. Listening to this inspiring women who works in such different spaces yet share the common thread of resistance and anti-racism reminds us that we all have work to do, and can disrupt the systems that diminish our humanity from wherever we stand.