Thursday 9 September 2021
Intro
Mr Speaker, I rise to speak about the situation in Afghanistan, but in particular to give voice to Afghani people living in my electorate of Badcoe.
The heart breaking, violent and unfathomable situation in Afghanistan is undoubtedly horrific.
What was once a nation on the long path towards equality and democracy, has now veered off and is speeding in an entirely different direction – back to a dark past.
There is great suffering – and the constant fear of even greater suffering to come.
We watch the slivers of news emerging – from an ever diminishing number of journalists in Afghanistan – and we still see some flickers of hope – for now women protest in the streets – in the face of guns pointed at their chests. What incredible bravery.
But we know the dark cloud of intolerance for such voices is gathering.
As the journalists, and diplomats, and aid workers recede from the country, the world will not be privy to the horrors that are already playing out.
For so many Australians of Afghani descent – living here in South Australia – they have been plunged into a state of helplessness.
Not knowing what to do – but so desperately wanting to act.
They are so far away from their homeland – and there is so little they can do to effect change and bring peace from afar.
And although they are safe – and because they are the lucky few who are safe – Afghani people in Badcoe have told me they feel an overwhelming sense of ‘survivor guilt’. Several have said to me they’d switch places with their mother, their cousin, their friend, their child who is still in Afghanistan – if only they could.
The only thing they can do – and we can do – is use the power we do have to make whatever difference we can.
Even on this small and remote scale.
And so that’s what I am doing.
Unlike so many people in Afghanistan right now – I have a voice.
We can speak out.
And must.
For them.
Every one of the Afghani people I have spoken with who live in my neighbourhood have asked me to share their story – share their plight – here today – in the hope that every tiny bit of pressure will somehow change the fate of a people and a nation.
I won’t use people’s full names – because I know their families are in grave danger. But I will tell you what they’ve told me.
Mas
Mas said to me:
“We need people like you to use your voice. We need support from our international friends. People who have wealth and power should help – because people can only hide and live for so long. We can’t turn our backs on people in need.”
She described – as did many others – that the Taliban are going door-to-door seeking out activists, anyone who worked with coalition forces, and anyone who has been sympathetic to the former Afghani Government.
Shari
Shari told me:
“We’ve gone back 20 years. My Hazara family are in huge danger. My Aunty is the sole earner in her home, and a single woman with four dependents. Now she’s not allowed to work. If the Taliban don’t find men in a home, they will take away the women as sex slaves.”
She said another of her friends served in the Afghan National Army, telling me:
“there is a great risk that her whole family will be murdered now.”
People are fleeing from house to house – sometimes with children in their arms. Sometimes they are single women with no protector. Sometimes they are old people running from place to place – knowing brutal killers are hunting them down.
This woman’s Aunty’s husband used to be a high court judge. The Taliban militants are demanding to know where he is – torturing people to find him. It’s truly unfathomable.
Kat
Kat’s mother ran 30 domestic violence shelters in Afghanistan until just weeks ago. Her mother’s home was raided, and her staff tortured. She has now been evacuated to Germany with her father and brother – thank goodness.
Although her mother is now safe – all the women she used to help are in more danger than ever – many having fled their violent husbands. She described how so many women are now prisoners in their homes – unable to even set foot in public due to their fear – and knowledge – about what the Taliban will do to them.
She begged me to speak out about the complete annihilation of women’s rights – human rights – in Afghanistan. She explained to me that even here in Australia, Afghan people cannot speak out on social media because the Taliban will track down their families and persecute or even kill them. Such is the reach of this evil regime.
She told me:
“We are all caged.”
Said
When I spoke with Said, he told me he is really struggling. He feels hopeless. And helpless. He told me the Australian government needs to be much more open to migration and humanitarian access. His whole family is still in Afghanistan.
His mother used to work with the Americans and his brothers worked on IT projects with the coalition forces – helping to build a more prosperous nation.
They are all desperate to now get out. And they’re trapped. And all Said can do is plead their case to politicians like me.
And this is the brutal reality …
Although I pride myself on being someone who always strives to help my constituents – going the extra mile to assist people when they need it – the truth is – I simply can’t help with getting their loved ones out of the talons of this brutal regime.
Barely a handful of people could be evacuated, compared to all those who now face uncertain futures.
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Action
So what do I want for these Afghani people in my community?
Kindness matched with action.
I want federal and state governments to move mountains to help the people who helped our forces.
I want our nation to stand by our values of fairness and equality and non-violence and do everything we can – as part of the international community – both to find safe haven for genuine refugees – but also to improve things in Afghanistan in whatever way possible.
That path is not clear. And we will have to advocate, and push and use our voices to find a clearer path in which Afghanistan can have a brighter future.
Conclusion
We may well think – was that 20 year war worth it?
To me the fight is not over – and its up to us to work with Afghani people and to make the sacrifices already made - worth it.
I thank everyone who shared their stories with me and I pray for you all.