On the third anniversary of the Taliban’s violent return to power in Afghanistan, we must reflect on the grave human rights abuses that have unfolded over the past three years. To mark this tragic day, the Australian Hazara Advocacy Network (AHAN), in collaboration with the Parliamentary Friends of the Hazaras, is gathering at the Australian Parliament House to highlight the Taliban’s unchecked human rights violations by showcasing a documentary filmed by AHAN member Muzafar Ali during a recent trip to Afghanistan.

Today, June 20th, is World Refugee Day. A day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees, their rights, needs and dreams; to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution; to focus global attention to find solutions to the plight of refugees and mobilise political will and resources to improve their social and economic inclusion.

This week, Refugee Week, is dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of refugees and to celebrating the immense contributions they make around the world.

Today in Canberra the Parliamentary Friends of the Hazara group will be launched by Dr Andrew Charlton MP (Chair), and Ms Kylea Tink MP (Co-Chair) and Members of Parliament and Senators across the political spectrum.

The first meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Hazara comes at a crucial time for the Hazara people as they continue to face a dramatic escalation of violence, forced displacement, dispossession, and systemic cultural, civil and political repression since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021.