CEO Blog – 17.8.2021
We are all watching with sadness and concern the developments in Afghanistan.
The speed of the Taliban takeover and the collapse of the Afghan Government has taken everyone by surprise.
Our thoughts are with our colleagues, clients and friends who come from that part of the world and who still have family or loved ones in Afghanistan.
There have been calls from leaders of Afghan communities here in Australia for the nation to increase its intake of people who will inevitably flee the new regime in Afghanistan.
We would support that proposal and AMES Australia stand ready to support them if and when they arrive.
For many years, Australia offered refuge to people who are have been displaced by conflict or persecution.
Showing generosity of spirit and a commitment to a strong and equitable humanitarian intake program – just as we did in the 1970s and 80s after the war in Indochina – would enhance Australia’s international standing and preserve our tradition as a welcoming, multicultural nation.
We are already supporting many Afghans who worked with Australia during the campaign and the civil reconstruction effort and who have arrived in Australia in recent weeks.
There has been a lot comment about whether the twenty year military campaign in Afghanistan which cost almost 150,000 lives, including 38,000 civilians and 41 Australians was worthwhile.
History will be the final arbiter of what it all meant.
But what is at risk is the progress made. Literacy rates in Afghanistan have improved from 34 per cent in 2016 to almost 50 per cent today.
Infant mortality rates have dropped significantly over the past decade; and that has happened in almost direct proportion to the enfranchisement of women.
Over the past decade or so women in Afghanistan have gained the right to an education, the vote, they have entered the workforce and started businesses in greater numbers and they have more control over their own lives.
We can only guess at what the future holds for the 38 million people of Afghanistan – much depends on the influence of external powers such as Pakistan, Iran, India and the West.
Our focus, as always, will be to continue to support Afghan communities in Australia and to prepare to accept and support displaced Afghans when and if they begin to arrive in Australia.
Cath Scarth, AMES Australia CEO
17 August 2021
AMES Blog
