Article 14
Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Mare Maticevski
About my work
My block uses a muslin baby wrap that belonged to my daughter. It was a comforting presence through my daughter’s life, taken everywhere. The fibres are very delicate from extended use, making stitching quite difficult. Also difficult is the sadness of the journey of the refugee parent and child. The delicate fibres symbolise how delicate and vulnerable babies are, especially on such a journey.
My father migrated to Australia seeking a better life, leaving behind his pregnant wife in what was then Macedonia, in the former Yugoslavia. He sent a wrap as a gift for his unborn baby. I was wrapped in this when, aged nine months, I first met my dad when I arrived under an assisted passage program. Apparently I stretched my arms out to him.
I strongly support refugees, the right to seek asylum, the right of families to not be separated by unjust government policies. Children have no say. We must comfort and support the most vulnerable in our world.
- Mare Maticevski
About me
Mare Maticevski is currently undertaking a Master’s in writing and publishing and is a passionate educator, librarian and creative with a strong focus on social justice. The power of human stories embolden her as she strives to contribute to and share stories of diversity. She expresses her activism via multidisciplinary creative works, including writing, performance, filmmaking, printmaking, puppetry, photography and fibre arts.
Mare migrated to Australia as a nine-month-old baby and experiences her identity as constant negotiation towards belonging. She resides on land that belongs to First Nations people and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
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