A letter from our Deputy Chair, Abang Anade Othow

I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to write to you as the new Deputy Chair of the Asylum Seekers Centre’s Board.

This opportunity to serve and advocate for people seeking asylum is one I hold with immense respect and dedication. Having lived through war, family separation, and the uncertainty of displacement, I understand the vulnerability of seeking safety in a world where hope is often scarce.

I know firsthand the difference that compassion, opportunity, and a committed community can make. I count myself among the fortunate ones, not just because I survived, but because I was given the chance to thrive through education, resilience, and the kindness of others.

That is why I feel a profound responsibility to give back to those still walking this difficult path, a responsibility I can help meet in my new position.

The Board plays an important role in guiding the strategic direction of the Asylum Seekers Centre and I am honoured to step into this role at a time where the organisation’s work has never been more important or urgent.

The federal election campaign only sharpens this focus. It was preceded with a pre-election federal budget, which allocated only $20 million for financial support for people seeking asylum – in stark contrast to the $580 million committed to uphold Australia’s cruel offshore detention regime.

Over decades we have seen an investment in cruelty create misery, compound trauma for the already vulnerable, and damage Australia’s reputation globally.

The budget was followed by the call of an election campaign, during which we’ll see an onslaught of messaging and information. Language shapes perception. It defines and reflects what we think, what we feel, and how we act. It helps create and shape our shared reality.

Too often language has been used to demonise and punch down on marginalised communities, particularly people seeking asylum and refugees.

This is done purposefully, even strategically. Perhaps some politicians truly believe subjecting people seeking asylum and refugees to further hardship is a fair price to pay for a few more votes in swing seats. No doubt all would reject this calculation. But the evidence is irrefutable.

In response, the Asylum Seekers Centre joined more than 35 refugee, human rights, multicultural, and faith-based organisations in sending an urgent call to the major parties, urging them to avoid divisive discourse during the campaign.

As our CEO Frances Rush says, “we’re putting a line in the sand that we won’t stand for fear-mongering and punching down. And we’ll be holding politicians to account all the way up to election day and beyond”.

We’re making a clear statement about our expectations. And we’re also setting an example. Here at the Asylum Seekers Centre, we use language intentionally. We use the terms ‘people seeking asylum’ and ‘person seeking asylum’ to centre the person and acknowledge their humanity, story, and agency. Words matter. By using them thoughtfully, we can help create a safer and more just society.

As we steel ourselves for what is to come, we can be inspired by stories of strength and resilience – to keep going, to keep building, and to work together to create real, lasting change.

Last month we celebrated International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all and a future where no one is left behind.

This is incredibly pertinent for women seeking asylum, who often face unimaginable trauma and extensive and prolonged hardship seeking asylum in Australia. Many flee war, persecution, and violence, as well as facing the additional risk of physical and sexual violence because of their gender.

What is never left behind is the astounding courage, strength, and resilience of women who aspire to rebuild their lives.

This is evident in our Employment Services Coordinator and human rights advocate Fatima Rahmati’s powerful tribute to her mother, who, in fleeing Afghanistan, made endless sacrifices for a better life for her children.

It is this – the fight for justice, the support of our community, and the incredible courage and resilience of people seeking asylum and refugees – that serves as a reminder of the honour and privilege I feel in holding my new position. I look forward to more in the coming months and years.

In kindness,
Abang Anade Othow
Deputy Chair
Asylum Seekers Centre