The Australian Greens Party has announced support for calls from the Hazara community and human rights groups to formally recognise the ongoing persecution against the Hazara people in Afghanistan as genocide.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, the rights of Hazaras have been increasingly curtailed, according to the Greens. In a statement released on Wednesday, 23 April, the party expressed pride in supporting the Hazara diaspora in Australia and urged the federal government to provide adequate protection for Hazara refugees. They emphasised that no Hazara refugee should face deportation back to Afghanistan under current conditions.
As Australia’s federal election approaches on 3 May, with early voting already underway, the Greens have called for the government to increase Australia’s annual humanitarian refugee intake to 50,000 people.
“The Greens are committed to ensuring that individuals seeking safety in Australia are treated with dignity and respect, underpinned by a fair immigration system,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the party demanded an end to Australia’s current ban on accepting refugees from Indonesia, highlighting the plight of thousands of Afghan asylum seekers who remain stranded there, awaiting resettlement to safe third countries.
The Greens expressed grave concern over the international community’s perceived inaction, cautioning that continued silence could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and potentially lead to further genocidal acts against the Hazara population.
Additionally, the party highlighted Australia’s responsibilities under the UN Genocide Convention, urging the government to actively prevent genocide, support thorough investigations into human rights abuses, and advocate for accountability regarding international crimes.
The Greens reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to engaging with the Hazara community throughout Australia’s 48th Parliament and pledged to amplify Hazara voices and concerns.
