"I'm 21 and have no any happy days": An oral history narrative from the Hazara refugee community

Abstract

The hostility pervading much of Australia's response to the current worldwide refugee crisis has motivated the author to seek a fuller perspective, through the humanising insight afforded by oral history, on the situation facing refugees often subjected to harsh treatment by Australian authorities. This paper outlines the narrative of one interview she has recorded with a refugee in Australia, discusses the methodology used, and also explores how oral history can 'highlight the circumstances of persecution and flight, deconstruct prevailing myths, and bring understanding to the refugee experience within Australia'. Methodological and theoretical perspectives were widely sourced, and analysis of various ethical challenges presented includes the potential bias of author's own pro-humanitarian approach. The value of contributing to the documentation resources for a particular community is also noted.