Rohullah Hussaini vividly remembers the day his dad farewelled him from Afghanistan’s borders. It was 2002 and Mr Hussaini was 14, alone and stateless.
He started his refugee journey in Pakistan, then set off to Iraq, Iran, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Mr Hussaini had to wait 10 years to find a country he could finally call home, where he could work legally and contribute to society.
He says he made nine attempts to reach Australia on leaking fishing boats. Each time, he was intercepted by the Indonesian navy and imprisoned. He finally made it in 2012 and settled in Swan Hill.
But his journey is not over, Mr Hussaini has now embarked on a 2000-kilometre bike ride from Swan Hill to Canberra to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and hopes to meet Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Canberra.
“My message to Tony Abbott is: ‘What is the meaning of human rights and democracy in Australia? Please stop punishing us; we’re humans, too’,” he said.
“Refugees aren’t destroying the countries, they’re helping build a better society.
“They’re humans; they’re harmless; they’re countryless. Refugees aren’t coming to Australia to just eat and sleep.”
The 28-year-old stopped over at Bacchus Marsh last Thursday for a cup of tea and chat with locals.
He’s expected to arrive in Canberra next Tuesday.
To follow Mr Hussaini’s journey, visit Riding 4 Refugees on Facebook.
