Wonderful news as Najib wins a 10-year battle for justice

Friday, June 6 2025

Dear friends of Refugee Legal,

I want to share with you a story about how our work in these times of great uncertainty and upheaval makes a real difference to people’s lives.

People like Najib*, who, with our help, was granted permanency and reunited with his wife Noor and their 12 year-old son Hashim, after more than 12 years apart.

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Najib, a 27-year-old Rohingya man from Myanmar, suffered brutal abuse daily at the hands of the military. He was routinely forced into portering heavy loads up mountains, in constant fear that he would collapse under the unbearable loads and meet the same deadly fate as others.

Najib arrived here by boat 12 years ago, having been forced to flee with no option but to leave his wife and son behind. Soon after, he was able to help Noor and Hashim to escape to Malaysia.

Five years on, despite Najib being from one of the most persecuted minorities in the world, his case was refused on review. Without a hearing, under the unfair Fast Track system.

During Najib’s years in legal limbo, his mental health deteriorated so severely that he was regularly hospitalised. But his status meant he was denied access to the NDIS—and to crucial treatment.

On the back of recent reforms, we pleaded Najib’s case for reassessment—and priority—due to his mental health. Through our critical legal help, after a 10-year battle for protection, his case was expedited and approved within just months—ultimately resulting in the grant of permanency.

Najib was relieved, overjoyed and immediately asked us: “When can I see my family?”

And with the grant of permanency, we helped Najib to travel to Malaysia to reunite with Noor and Hashim, who were able to embrace after 10 years of forced separation. At the same time, we provided legal help for them to apply for family reunion, which was granted within weeks.

Soon after, Najib, Noor and Hashim embraced again—this time, at Melbourne Airport and all as permanent residents. And now knowing that they could finally rebuild their lives, together, in safety, with dignity and real hope for the future.

Our profound thanks to the many of you who have already donated.

If you haven’t already, please consider giving to our End of Financial Year Appeal.

Your tax-deductible donations will be matched by our pro bono partners up to $75,000 until 30 June – doubling the impact of your gift.

 

Sincerely and with thanks,

David Manne
Refugee Legal
CEO & Principal Solicitor

 

* Names and certain details have been changed to protect confidentiality.