MANY Swan Hill Hazaras are still desperate to be reunited with their families left stranded in Afghanistan, especially as food shortages and violence targeting the minority increase back home.
The Guardian is aware of the killing of at least two family members of Swan Hill locals, and has also heard multiple reports of disappearances.
Earlier in October, a petition signed by more than 189,000 Australians and organised by #ActionForAfghanistan was tabled in parliament to call on the government to commit to at least 20,000 additional humanitarian visas for those most at risk in Afghanistan.
While locals and their community around the country wait for further action, The Guardian has decided to put forward another petition focused on a particular family.
Swan Hill landscape gardener and SES volunteer Rohullah Hussaini is well known in the region for his community work and he is desperately trying to be reunited with his young wife and infant daughter.
He has never met his child, and he last saw his wife in 2019 in Iran before the pandemic began. Mr Hussaini believes he would be killed if he returned to his homeland.
Multiple members of his family were nearly killed in late August during two suicide bombing attacks on Kabul airport, while his sister was shot dead while holding her baby.
The Guardian’s petition has garnered more than 500 signatures to date, with members of the public invited to sign at https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN3265
It is hoped, if successful, this petition can set a precedent for other Afghan families in the Mallee.
While #ActionForAfghanistan acknowledged the federal government’s recent announcement of a $27.1 million package to help settle those who managed to evacuate Afghanistan, the group said more still needs to be done.
“The Australian Government’s announcement of a settlement support package is welcomed by the Afghanistan-Australian Advocacy Network, but shouldn’t stop the Australian Government from doing more to stand for the rights of women, children and vulnerable minorities,” National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group (NRAAG) chair Shabnam Safa said.
“It is evident that we need to be doing so much more to match our involvement in and responsibility towards Afghanistan and its people over the last 20 years.
“We need concrete action by providing at least 20,000 additional humanitarian places, just like the Abbott government did in response to the Syrian crisis or the Fraser government in response to the Vietnam conflict.”
The aforementioned package will strengthen the capacity of grassroots communities, help fund mental health support, secure a suitable entry into the labour market and support those on Temporary Humanitarian Stay visas to transition to permanent visas.
Step 1) Sign the petition at http://aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN3265 or scan the QR code to access the website
Step 2) Make sure you also confirm your signature by clicking the link sent to your email address
Step 3) Share this post or tell a friend to sign
