Esmat Noori’s inspirational speech at BMRSG’s AGM

Take the time to read Esmat Noori’s inspirational speech at the BMRSG ‘s AGM

(Esmat read a poem read a poem and translated it).

The message of the poem is a bit hard to translate this exactly. I apologise for my broken English but the message is that is human beings are like parts of a body created from the same essence. When one part is hurt and in pain the other parts cannot remain in peace and be quiet.  If the misery of others leaves you indifferent and with no feelings of sorrow you cannot be called a human being.  I really love this poem and I love the Blue Mountains community for all its caring and sharing about all those who are around the world not just in Australia.

I would like to share the story of a young man who fled from his country because of discrimination and political injustice.

His journey started from Afghanistan to Pakistan then to Indonesia.  He wanted to save his life but he had to risk and trust smugglers to find a way out for him.  He was stuck between bad and worse. He chose to deal with these matters and fled to Indonesia leaving all that he knew behind. This was his first time knowing himself as an asylum seeker.

In Indonesia UNHCR he was given a number, the sadness began and from then on he was identified as a prime number.  His heart was broken, he couldn’t speak the local language. Fleeing his own county to become an asylum seeker in a place he knew nothing about was one of the biggest challenges but he saw hope. After 6 months he started volunteering with JRS as an interpreter for Iraqi, Pakistani and Afghani communities who were also seeking asylum.  Learning Bahasa Indonesian allowed him to further volunteer with the IOMHCR (?) helping others along their refugee journey.  Until he himself faced financial hardship and decided to seek IM services but he had to go through the Indonesian Immigration first while they required him to be in Immigration detention first before receiving IM support.

The detention centre was a place of sadness where he witnessed extremely cruel conditions and (only) basic needs are met. 150 people in a centre with more than 10 people in each cell. 1 small window no ventilation and locked inside the cell.  For the first few months only a bit of rice and bread.  He was treated like a prisoner. They only had each other to make it through. He took it upon himself and received help from IAM? changing the rules of the detention centre and making it a more caring place for everyone. Despite the intensity of the unfair circumstance he was able to remain resilient knowing others benefited  from his actions.

Seeing others happy is what sustained him. He lived through genuine experiences in Indonesia helping hundreds along the way.  After some years he received the good news that his case was accepted by Australian Immigration.  Leaving Indonesia he arrived in Australia with just one suitcase.   He was both nervous and happy to start a completely new life with unlimited opportunities.

Shortly after he started working as a labourer for 6 months from job to job. He was still thinking about how he could help other refugees in Indonesia. While translating for a young woman, Afghan refugee in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. He met with Anna Ingam from Blackheath.  Soon after they started organising pop up lunch together at Anna’s place to bring communities together through food and culture meeting many fabulous people in the mountains, the Blue Mountains community. This network enabled him to help and support others including the BMRSG further expanding the network with many memories, compassion, love and support.  Many continuing until today. He strongly believes that working together can change millions of lives who are displaced seeking asylum all around the world like himself.  Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to live a better life.

This young man is no longer so young.  Looking back on his journey with much grace and to stand here with what he has achieved today. He is beyond grateful for all the support that BMRSG has given not just for himself but the many that were introduced by him.

This is my story. It has been such an honour to be a guest speaker here today. Thank you very much.