A KURDISH woman who gave birth in an Iraqi gaol under the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein before fleeing to Australia is just one of many refugees to be honoured in a performance of Requiem at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Funds raised from the performance go to MercyCare and The Humanitarian Group, which provide legal assistance to asylum seekers having protection claims processed in WA: “It is also a consciousness–raising event to highlight the need to respond with compassion to the needs of those who seek asylum,” organiser Anne Stephens says.
The psychologist works with refugees and asylum seekers at the intensive english centre at Nollarama primary school. She says she used to see many refugees from Sudan, but now sees more from the middle-east.
She hails the story of the Kurdish woman as a “success story”.
“Her daughter is now in her 20s and after attending TAFE went on to study law and is now about to qualify as a lawyer,” Ms Stephens says.
“That is just one story about someone who has come here as a refugee and has given something back to the community and country that took them in.”
The performance of Requiem, written by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, will feature Lux et Veritas (chorale) and Camerata 1685 (orchestra), and be conducted by local musician Jangoo Chapkhana.
“The world is going through a particularly turbulent period with huge numbers of displaced people, many of whom do not have access to refugee camps, and unfortunately asylum seekers have been portrayed in Australia as people attempting to enter Australia illegally, whereas it is in fact legal to seek asylum,” Ms Stephens says.
“I am resolved to be part of the movement to redress this situation and to bring about a more just response.”
To book tickets for the October 11 performance visit http://www.ticketswa.com/event/requiem-karl-jenkins.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Perth Voice Interactive 
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