Shake Your Booty for West Sahara

Date: 05 September 2001

The issue of Australia's relationship with refugees has been the subject of intense debate over the last week. Sydney-siders will be attending a musical event at the Harbourside Brasserie to show their support for the refugees of Western Sahara.

Supporters of Western Sahara independence will get funky about their cause on Thursday night at Sydney's Harbouside Brasserie.

The night will include performances by Afro-Caribbean group Babalu and Spanish influenced Metro Flamenco, supported by R&B band Soiree and DJs.

"The Viva Polisario musical fundraiser will be a chance to show the Australian government and governments everywhere that we support the plight of the Saharawi people. These people fled as refugees from the Moroccan invasion of their country 26 years ago", says Stephanie Brennan of the Western Sahara Alliance who, along with the Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) are organising the event.

Up to 180 000 people have been living in refugee camps in Algeria for 25 years since Morocco invaded Western Sahara. Polisario is the Saharawi liberation movement fighting for their independence.

Polisario representative in Australia Kamal Fadel said that the Saharawi struggle is entering a critical stage phase.

"The UN is showing signs of backing away from their commitment to a promised referendum on Saharawi self-determination. This is unacceptable to the Saharawi people and could lead to a deterioration of the situation" He said.

"The Saharawi people need the support of people from around the world, and this event shows the growing support of Australians for their cause." He added.

The event is being organised by the Western Sahara Alliance, a coalition of student, trade union, refugee and human rights groups who support the people of Western Sahara.

What: A Musical fundraiser
Where: Harbourside Brasserie, Pier One, The Rocks
When : Thursday 6 September, 8pm
Who: Babalu, Metro Flamenco, Soiree plus DJs.

For further information

Contact:	Natalie Joughin
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Contact Mobile:	0425 214 556
WWW:	http://workers.labor.net.au/

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