Home is Here: Rathy Barthlote

I am Rathy Barthlote. I am co-founder of Refugee Women Action for Visa Equality.

I fled genocide in Sri-Lanka with my husband in 2006 and sought temporary refuge in India before arriving in Australia as an asylum seeker in 2013. 

I have two children. My first child was born in India and my second child, 10 years, was born in Australia and is now a citizen of Australia. 

I am working as a support worker in helping vulnerable Australians. I have been working as a social support volunteer with the Red Cross for two years. 

I haven’t seen my mother in nearly 18 years. She is always telling me that she wants to see me and hug me before she dies. My father passed away during the war and as a Tamil woman living in Sri-Lanka during the conflict I suffered a lot. 

My husband was also persecuted. I have a lot of trauma and have been diagnosed with depression and PTSD. I am seeking the assistance of counselling to get me past each day. 

It has been more than 12 years and we are still in limbo. Physically, emotionally and psychologically I am overwhelmed and stressed. I am worried about my kids’ future. They only know this country. 

Albion, Victoria is my community. My kids have grown up in Australia. We have worked and paid taxes and contributed extensively to the Australian community. 

I wish to be heard and for a permanent solution to be given to us. I implore the Australian Government and its citizens and residents to listen and to help us.