Remembering SIEV X
From Sydney's Child, Melbourne's Child, Adelaide's Child, Brisbane's Child, Canberra's Child
Copeland Publishing Pty Ltd
www.sydneyschild.com.au
April Issue: In the News Section
Australia's secondary school students are being asked to submit designs for a memorial to Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel (SIEV) X, a boat carrying over 400 refugees which sank in international waters on its way to Australia in October 2001. The project was initiated by psychologist and author Steve Biddulph.
The SIEV X was a 19 metre fishing boat equipped to carry a hundred people. The refugees, mostly from Iraq and Afghanistan, boarded the boat in Lampong, Indonesia under the �guidance� of armed police, say the organisers of the project.
The sinking of the boat resulted in the deaths of 156 children, 152 women, and 65 men. The 42 survivors included 27 year old mother Sondos Ismael, whose three daughters aged six, four and two were drowned, and who was not permitted by Australian authorities to join her husband in Australia until seven months later. Sondos and seven others are now on temporary visas in Australia.
"One day people in fear and danger will have safe refuge, will be cared for properly, and be given a secure place to live normal lives. The SIEV X National Memorial Project is one step on that road, a step hundreds of thousands of Australians can participate in," says Steve Biddulph.
The SIEV X National Memorial will be built on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. In 2004/5 the submitted designs will be combined with the help of artists and architects to create a permanent memorial, built with student help. Designs will be added to a database that will be available via the Web. Each contributor will receive a certificate in appreciation for their input.You can find out more and register your interest to participate by visiting www.sievxmemorial.com.