REFUGEE TO RESIDENT

By IBTIHAL SAMARAYI

Rs.2,595

Availability: In Stock

Description

This book is timely, given the confusion in Australian policy regarding the so-called illegal refugees. Mark Blows, Clinical Psychologist An educated girl from a prosperous family in Iraq finds her world turned upside down by circumstances arising from the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein. With her young husband she flees first to Iran, then Turkey, experiencing the humiliation, discomfort and powerlessness of being a refugee. Ibtihal gives birth to a baby boy, lives in a tiny hut with no electricity or running water, tries to protect her baby from hungry rats, and attempts again and again to get approval from the UN to migrate. After years of hardship and persistence, Ibtihal and her small family arrive in Australia, where her youthful ambition leads her to study and later teach art as therapy for trauma. The book includes photos of the author's story and art work. 'Refugee to Resident captures the indignity and hopelessness associated with being a refugee, but also the indomitable spirit of which humans are capable, even when suffering extreme duress. I challenge anyone, whatever their current views might be, to read this story and remain unchanged.' Professor Terry Lovat, The University of Newcastle, Australia 'Refugee to Resident is a humanist plea for understanding the plight, the frustrations, the misunderstanding and the lack of sympathy given to refugees from all over the world.' Bruce McCalmont, Senior Lecturer TAFE