Ordinary Australians, such as Rural Australians for Refugees members, are showing up in the hundreds to sponsor people fleeing Afghanistan. RAR members have sponsored over 100 individuals and families and are currently providing money for food and fuel to some families struggling to survive in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.  We have supported some of our sponsees to move to Iran and Pakistan and as they were in extreme danger in Afghanistan. 

Australia claims to be prioritizing family reunion, people working with the Australia forces and vulnerable women but progress is very slow.  Passports are available in Afghanistan after a long delay but we do not know the cost. Pakistan visas are hard to get and cost $1000US.  Pakistan and Iran are increasingly dangerous.  Afghans are being deported from both these countries. In comparison, Germany is taking 1000 people per month from Afghanistan prioritizing vulnerable women.

Australia must do more.

With other significant conflicts in Iran and Urkraine taking valuable air time, Afghanistan has disappeared from the public’s attention. Australia has a moral obligation to the people of Afghanistan after 20 years of occupying the country and a reckless and impromptu evacuation of troops causing mass panic and chaos.