This Refugee Just Got Talked About At The UN And He's An Icon

    Aliir Aliir is the pin-up for Turnbull's "multicultural nation".

    Mark Di Stefano
    by Mark Di Stefano

    BuzzFeed News Reporter

    Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull used part of his first ever speech to the UN General Assembly to talk about one of the AFL's first ever Sudanese players, Aliir Aliir.

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    During a section of Turnbull's speech on Wednesday about Australia's policies towards immigrants and asylum seekers, the PM insisted the controversial measures taken to secure the country's borders allowed it to take more refugees and immigrants.

    He brought up the story of Aliir Aliir, who grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp after his family fled Sudan's civil war.

    "Aliir and his friends would use strips of old clothing as a football," said Turnbull.

    "He was seven when his family came to Australia, tall, fast and agile, Aliir was a natural for Australian rules football and once he took up the game, he hasn't looked back."

    "Earlier this year I was delighted when Aliir debuted for the AFL team I support, the Sydney Swans."

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    Aliir grew up in Brisbane and played junior footy in Perth before being drafted by the Swans and making his debut earlier this year.

    He has now played 12 games for the AFL's minor premiers and is a tall fixture in the side's back line.

    "He's got such good skills and agility for a big man and being able to intercept a mark is a strength as well," said team-mate Dane Rampe when Aliir debuted earlier this year.

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    "He's got a pretty bright future".

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    "He competes very well and is composed with the ball when he gets it, that’s his strength," said coach John Longmire. Aliir has been named to play in this weekend's final against Geelong.

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    Aliir says he's got awesome support from his family, telling Triple J, "my mum, she chats to her brothers back home but I don’t think anyone will know AFL. Hopefully when I do go back I’ll take a couple of footies and some boots and introduce them to the game.”

    He is also thrilled other Sudanese players are kicking goals in the AFL.

    Back at the UN, Turnbull said there are "thousands of migrant stories like Aliir's" in Australia.

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    "(Aliir) has become a role model in our multicultural nation, especially for young people in Sydney."

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