Muna Imad Jaber
Activist
At 13, my biggest worries should have been about an argument with a friend or an unpleasant meal. At 13, what I should not have been experiencing was a nation's conflict shaping my identity and impacting my years to come. Becoming a refugee at this young age redefined my childhood, forcing my eyes open to the hardships, the injustices and the immense losses that result from conflict. I lost members of my family, my friends and my homeland. Yet this loss is not mine alone, but is a loss suffered by all refugees, who have lived and suffered the consequences of large-scale conflicts. Conflict is a reprehensible result that continues to arise in many parts of the world and within many homes. Therefore, the one and only focus should be on the creation of a suitable and just solution, a solution that suits all parties heading towards Justice and peace.
At the age of 13, Muna had to leave Syria along with their mum and brother due to the family facing severe danger and political conflict. Afterwards they arrived in Australia as refugees. It was a major challenge to migrate to Australia as they did not speak the common language, knew no one and had to start their life from scratch again.Muna commenced high school in year ten speaking hardly any English and with no friends or community to seek comfort in; making their settlement journey a hard one. Three years later, with some hard work, perseverance and determination, Muna graduated year 12 as the second highest achiever in the grade and got into law full time at the Queensland University of Technology. Becoming a refugee, witnessing such injustice and being forced to leave their country at such an early age completely changed Muna’s perspectives on the world. Muna became passionate about human rights, freedom of speech, advocating for refugees and sharing awareness of the Syrian conflict.