From Under a Leaky Roof: Afghan Refugees in Australia

by Phil Sparrow

Az zer-e chakak gorekht wa zer-e baran neshast. He ran out from under a leaky roof and found himself in the rain. An Afghan proverb - Under A Leaky Roof traces the journey of many Afghan refugees currently living in Australia. Based on interviews with refugees and the people who work with them, the book details common experiences of discrimination and persecution which led them to flee their homes, the despair of detention in Australia, and the fear and uncertainty when they try to start their new lives in the Australian community. Informed and compassionate, Under A Leaky Roof makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the refugee experience. It also highlights why we need to develop a more humane approach to people who are unfortunate enough to be forced from their homes.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Laura Crossfield]

This book was really well written for its time (2004), so the relevancy of the situation in Afghanistan has changed but tragically the poor policy for Australian migration has only worsened.

[Baljit]

Maybe this was really not what I expected. It was a factual survey on the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers of Afgahnistan to Australia 2001-2004 and the controversial goverment policies regarding this issue. It was well-reasearhed and gave an in-depth view into the socio-sultural background of the afghani people but I found many parts of it repetitive.