A moral imperative to act: Australia must bring people from Afghanistan to safety

Afghanistan-Australian Advocacy Network: Today marks 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, an Afghanistan that is under the control of the Taliban, and all the gains made to advance democracy and human rights fast evaporating.

There are now serious fears about the fate of the people of Afghanistan who have already suffered decades long war, injustice and ongoing trauma.

The Afghanistan-Australian Advocacy Network (AAAN) are 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.

The latest attacks at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul over the last week is testament to the growing instability and precarity that Afghans fear the most, with growing uncertainty about what the future of the country holds.

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 AAAN are also calling for an urgent commitment from the Australian Government to an additional humanitarian intake of at least 20,000 places. Such a 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.

In addition to the once-off 20,000 emergency humanitarian intake, the 4,200+ refugees from Afghanistan on temporary protection visas here in Australia must be granted permanent protection. Australia should also prioritise the family-reunification visas of Afghan-Australians. Australia could also lift the ban on resettlement of refugees to Australia through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Indonesia.

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.

Arif Hussein, Human Rights Lawyer, Refugee Advice and Casework Service:

“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.”

Shabnam Safa, Chair of National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group:

“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.”

Diana Sayed, CEO of Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights:

“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.”

Media contact:

Emma Davies (RACS)
emma.davies@racs.org.au