Today is set to mark the official withdrawal of US-led Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. After nearly two decades of intervention and broken promises, the international community, including Australia, leave behind a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
With Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban, there are now serious fears about the fate of the people who have already suffered decades long war, injustice and ongoing trauma.
The Australian Government has a moral obligation and responsibility to grant safety to those most vulnerable and at-risk of being targeted under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Australia must act today to offer permanent protection to Afghans as a priority.
The Afghan Australian Advocacy Network (AAAN) is urgently calling on the Morrison Government to take critical, urgent, and necessary steps, right now to bring those who are at imminent risk of danger in Afghanistan to safety. We are also calling for an urgent commitment from the Australian Government to an additional humanitarian intake of at least 20,000 places.
Click here to write an email to your MP to support our calls
Any resettlement program should prioritise the most vulnerable persecuted people of Afghanistan, including women, minority groups, LGBTIQA+, human rights defenders, interpreters, guides and other personnel involved in Australia’s mission in Afghanistan.
The Australian community is urging immediate Action for Afghanistan as evidenced by over 165,000 signatures, endorsing an Open Letter signed by 9000+ individuals and 300 organisations in the last two weeks alone.
“There are approximately 80,000 Australians that call Australia home, having also left Afghanistan. And each one of us have been calling on the Australian government to take immediate steps in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan."
“The Australian community want action for Afghanistan, action which goes beyond access to Kabul airport, and the talk from the Australian Government about floors and ceilings. It is time for the Australian government to listen to the community, listen to our community and take tangible, deliverable action for Afghanistan.” - Arif Hussein, Human Rights Lawyer, Refugee Advice and Casework Service
“We are told that Australia has a proud history of extending a helping hand in times of crisis, but our government’s response has been too little too late and has ultimately left people behind to die. We cannot pat ourselves on the back right now. Our government’s response so far does not reflect the generosity and humanity of everyday Australians who overwhelmingly called for more support for the people of Afghanistan. This does not reflect the compassionate nation we aspire to be. We are better than this.” - Shabnam Safa, Chair of National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group
“It is not too late for Australia to step up to the moral plate and offer safety to 20,000 Afghans who are seeking a home for their families. We are witnessing a moment in history, and the chaos at the Kabul Airport last week marks the beginning of what life under the Taliban will mean for so many. Australia must, and can act today.” - Diana Sayed, CEO of Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
Please, click here to email your MP and urgently call for #ActionForAfghanistan