Responding to the Afghan crisis

In response to the devastating situation in Afghanistan, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) has signed a joint letter with over 300 organisations, businesses, and community groups asking the Government to take action.

In addressing this devastating situation Acting Executive Director Lucia Boxelaar said “We know this crisis will be causing great distress to many of our staff, community members, and the people we work with…we have joined the Refugee Council of Australia to call on the Federal Government to urgently make humanitarian visa places available as well as other requests reflecting the needs of the Afghan community.”

In the joint letter with the Refugee Council of Australia and many other organisations, sent to all Parliamentarians on Wednesday 18 August, seven practical steps were suggested to offer safety for people from Afghanistan and show global leadership:

1. Evacuate people at grave risk within Afghanistan, including those working or aiding the Australian Government or organisations, human rights defenders and women whose lives and security are under great threat.
2. Urge governments in the region to keep borders open to help those fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
3. Offer additional resettlement places for Afghan refugees immediately similar to what was done in 2015 for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Canada and Britain have already confirmed their commitment of 20,000 additional places that Australia could also match.
4. Increase Australian aid to the region to alleviate from hunger and lack of shelter caused by forced displacement.
5. Review previously rejected visa applications as the next positive step from the extension of Afghan citizens temporary visas by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on 17 August.
6. Extend permanent protection to 4,300 Afghans on temporary protection visas, recognising it will be unlikely they will be able to return in safety for many years.
7. Assist Afghan Australians with urgent family reunion applications, including those with temporary and permanent protection visas with relatives at risk by the Taliban.

Since the letter was sent, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has confirmed the government will provide around 3,000 visas for Afghan applicants this financial year but has no further "no clear plans" to match what has been offered by Canada and Britain. We will join with other sector agencies to insist that this represents the start of our contribution not the end.

Read the full letter and the list of organisations on the Refugee Council of Australia website