As part of his honours year in law at Victoria University, Mr Amani, 22, of Dandenong, investigated the number of Sudanese people getting caught up in crime.

"I was overwhelmed by their numbers and distressed by the struggle and helplessness, because they seemed to be literally trapped in the criminal justice system."

He said Australia's resettlement and integration programs were not working for Horn of Africa migrants, especially in educating them about alien legal concepts, Australia's justice system and the role of police.

Mr Amani suggests that African support centres could be established to address language, education and employment barriers for the Sudanese.

He also recommends setting up a self-regulation system headed by village elders, similar to Victoria's new Koori Court.

"Many Sudanese clients do not even understand the charges they face or that they have committed an offence. This knowledge should have been provided well before they entered the community."

Crime rates among Sudanese migrants was higher than other migrant groups from the Horn of Africa. He put it down to certain disadvantages that were "forced upon" the Sudanese.

"Often they don't come here with the support of their parents or other family, and when they get here, they have poor levels of education, can't speak English and are unemployed. These are all proven indicators of crime rates."

Mr Amani said it was the responsibility of governments to help Sudanese migrants overcome these disadvantages.

As part of his research he volunteered for Victorian Legal Aid and the Casey Community Legal Centre.