The pictures coming out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are chilling, similar to images of devastated cities from the Second World War. The last major war in Europe established a world order that has last 70 years; it removed brutal autocratic dictators and established the supremacy of western liberal democracies. It also spawned the International Refugee Convention, which provides protection for people fleeing conflict or persecution. There are now more than 84 million displaced people across the globe, the highest number in history. It is no accident that the world is again seeing regressive autocracies on the rise again—driving the numbers of refugees up. The conflict in Ukraine has galvanised the West to stand up to autocratic regimes. The question remains: will it give impetus to the search for solutions to the global refugee crisis?
Refugee Heroes tells the compelling stories of some of the people who have fled situations of conflict and violence that are largely the result of autocracy.
Laurie Nowell has been a journalist and writer for 25 years. He has written for publications in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. His work has been published in the Herald Sun, The Age and The Australian in Australia and The Guardian, The Times and the Daily Mail in the UK. Recently, working in media and public affairs for migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, he has been writing about the migrant and refugee sector while also working with emerging communities to help them engage with mainstream media. In previous roles, he was a senior editor at News Limited and an international correspondent for London’s Today newspaper.
* Authentic stories of inspirational refugee journeys, including recent stories of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.
* A compelling read for people interested in empowering human stories, international politics and the humanitarian sector. The book puts a human face to the conflicts, tensions and repressive regimes around the globe that have seen more than 84 million people forced from their homes. It also explains the political and social factors that have contributed to the unprecedented number of conflicts and humanitarian emergencies around the world.
* 35 captivating interviews with and features about refugees who have escaped war or conflict from more than a dozen countries. Discover the inspirational individuals and initiatives that are making Australia a richer society.
* A Ukrainian mother tells of surviving two weeks of Russian bombardment and a desperate 24 hour journey to safety.
* An Afghan journalist rescued from the clutches of the Taliban by a phone call from an Australian government minister.
* A Tibetan refugee couple’s perilous month-long trek over the highest mountains in the world to find new lives in peace and safety.
* Includes 16 full colour photo pages of the faces behind the stories.
* Foreword by Adrian Edwards, UNHCR representative for Oceania.
Publicity:
* Ongoing social media campaign beginning on World Refugee Day (20 June 2022) up to the release in September sharing the stories and faces of refugees to inspire Australians.
* Promotion through AMES Australia.
* Interviews and features in national newspapers, publications and radio including The Australian, The Guardian, ABC Radio National and more.
