Diocese of Rockhampton Supports Statement on Afghanistan and Its Implication for Refugees
19 August, 2021The Diocese of Rockhampton supports the recent statement released by the Australian Council of Christians and Jews expressing solidarity with the people of Afghanistan:
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews, expresses its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan at this time when their human rights are threatened.
We express our deepest sympathy with the families of Afghan background in Australia and embrace them with our solidarity.
We call on people of all faiths and none to redouble our opposition to all forms of discrimination rooted in bigotry and prejudice, whether based on religion, race or gender.
We call on the Australian government to immediately ensure there is a pathway for refugees to seek security in Australia and the nations neighbouring Afghanistan.
We call upon our government to expedite efforts to secure safe passage for Afghan citizens who assisted Australian troops in their task in Afghanistan.
We urge our leaders to break the silence on Afghanistan by voicing their support for Afghan civilians and spell out the nature of Australia’s commitment to peace in Afghanistan.
We urge the Australian government to grant and distribute aid to Afghan civilians in neighbouring countries.
We call for the Australian government to enact its obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
Now is the time for a blanket extension of temporary protection visas to safeguard Afghan nationals in Australia, on Manus Island, and Nauru.
We urge the government to grant humanitarian visa pathways to protect those not privileged with such protection.
We urge Australia to follow its Commonwealth partner, Canada, and provide support for at least 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan and to pressure other governments to accept Afghan refugees.
Dr Ron Hoenig
Australian Council of Christians and Jews
(Chair)
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews (ACCJ) seeks to deepen mutual understanding between
Christians and Jews in this country. It is the umbrella organisation for a number of state bodies and has a
fraternal association with the Abrahamic Council in New Zealand.