My guest today is talking about a topic I have wanted to discuss on Slo-Mo for a very long time. Dr Michelle Jasmin Dimasi is a PhD holder in Philosophy, she's lived in 5 countries but our focus today is on her work as a refugee and women's rights advocate. She's recently released a book, Hope, Solidarity and Death at the Australian Border. Her objective is to raise awareness about the Australian government's policies toward asylum seekers who flee their countries because of war or fear of persecution. She is currently involved in researching what matters most to refugees to help them feel settled and welcomed in their new homes. Dr Michelle Jasmin Dimasi has more than a decade of experience in working on refugee-related issues, empowerment of women and unaccompanied asylum seeker minors and human rights. Michelle holds a Doctorate of Philosophy and held Adjunct Associate Research positions at Swinburne University of Technology and Curtin University’s Centre for Human Rights Education and has published extensively on asylum seeker issues, Afghanistan, and women’s rights. Her work today involves campaigning for the rights of refugees and women whilst raising awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Listen as we discuss:Christmas IslandMigration and apartheidUN refugee conventionPeople smugglersGetting on the boatSurrendering to GodFear of the 'other'The Human StoryBack to the beginningDetention and Human RightsBoats arriving and children locked upHopeThree weeks to liveSurviving at seaLost all hopeOffshore islandLove and compassionWe are all the sameDangers and ThreatsGuest of GodGod only gives us the challenges we can handleThe language of spiritualityHope, Solidarity and DeathDocumenting my deathFinding gratitudeConnect with Dr Michelle Jasmin Dimasi on Instagram @michelledimasi or find out more about her on her website. Her book Hope, Solidarity and Death at the Australian Border is available on AmazonYouTube: @mogawdatofficialInstagram: @mo_gawdatFacebook: @mo.gawdat.officialTwitter: @mgawdatLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatWebsite: mogawdat.comDon't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Saturday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy