From Nothing to Zero: Letters from Refugees in Australia's Detention Centres

by Janet Austin (Editor)

Generally 84 percent of asylum seekers are found to be genuine refugees, yet thousands languish in Australia's illegal immigrant detention centres. This topical, not-for-profit publication provides a rare glimpse into the world of refugees who have fled war and persecution in their own countries, only to be detained in Australia's desert camps. Featuring an introduction by human rights activist and QC Julian Burnside; this moving anthology presents edited extracts from letters written by asylum seekers in response to a letter-writing campaign by Australian citizens opposing the Australian government's hard-line stance on asylum seekers. These letters give a human face and voice to one of the most controversial issues affecting the world today. All profits will be donated to asylum seeker organisations.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Chris]

A book of letters from refugees in Australian detention centres. A hot-topic issue here for a long time now. I wish everyone in this country read this book, it humanizes a large group of diverse people that have been misconstrued and demonized to win elections. It really highlights the harsh realities of imprisonment for those who seek asylum.

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The results from the letter campaign initiated by Julian Burnside, between the Australian community and people seeking asylum held in detention, back in 2003. Excerpts of these letters cover the issued faced at home, the journey to get to Australia, everyday life in detention, and some letters from children held in detention. There are poems, so beautiful. More sections of letters from people held on Nauru, going through their refugee processing and appeals, and considering the future.

Julian Burnside QC adds commentary and outlines the policy of the day at that time - which hasn't changed too much, but has managed to get even harsher than back then.

A stark and heartbreaking commentary is that at the time of writing, back in 2003, there was the wistful notion that in 20 years time the Australian public would look back at that time in shame, and have moved to better and more humane policies. Have very wrong that was, as now in 2020 these policies are as cruel as ever.

The humanity and generosity of spirit is the other major theme to come from this read - the warmth towards the letter writers to whom the writer in detention is corresponding with is incredible. Acknowledgement of the portion of Australia against the harsh policy that robbed these people of their freedom, and the actions that continued to give them hope inside, when so much was hopeless.

A powerful quote:
"we understand that the letter writing is not going to open the gates but make our lives a bit liveable in this prison."