Refugees pitch tents in the city

BY PATRICK BILLINGS
‘They arrive in all different degrees of terror. No food, no money, and possibly having lost a family member en route,’ says Dr Kevin Baker. ‘I treat gunshot wounds and other war traumas.’
When Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) pitches its tents in Martin Place this weekend, Dr Baker, a Sydney-based anaesthetist will be one of several field workers guiding curious Sydneysiders through a simulated refugee camp.
Spokeswoman for MSF, Daniella Marchetta, says the concept is about raising awareness and creating a better understanding of the vulnerability of life for displaced people.
‘Moving from tent to tent, visitors learn about the everyday life of displaced people around the world, including how and what they eat, their water and toilet facilities and the medical treatments available to them.’
Arriving on Australian shores for the first time, MSF hopes the city embraces the event which has been successfully raising awareness worldwide for ten years.
‘I think any organisation raising the awareness of refugees is a good thing,’ said Tamara Domicelj, Director of the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Although it was originally earmarked for Hyde Park, MSF events manager Alexandra Brown says setting up in Martin Place has its advantages.
‘We are quite squashed here in Martin Place which is a little closer to the reality, considering people in refugee camps live cheek by jowl.
‘Plus there are some interesting juxtapositions since we are in the heart of the financial district.’
Of all the humanitarian aid agencies, Dr Baker chose to devote his time to MSF because of its independence.
‘The programs outlook and independence gives you a moral freedom so you are not forced to patronise the refugees,’ he says. ‘I think it’s very important to expose, what 42 million people face every day, to a culture never touched first hand by war or pestilence.’
‘ Refugee Camp in Your City is free and begins at 9am on Saturday September 13 in Martin Place