As the already precarious security situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, Amnesty International Australia National Director Sam Klintworth said:
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison must engage at the highest possible level with US President Joe Biden to secure safe passage for people at risk who remain in Kabul.
“With the Department of Foreign Affairs now advising Australians and Australian visa holders not to go to the airport in Kabul as there is a risk of terrorist attack, the Australian Prime Minister must urgently work with the USA and other leaders involved in the twenty year war in Afghanistan to get vulnerable people to safety. Priority needs to be given to Australians in Afghanistan, national staff and their families who worked with Australia, as well as women at risk, human rights defenders and others in grave danger of reprisals from the resurgent Taliban.
“We are aware that teams of lawyers, advocates, community members and officials have been working tirelessly to ensure at-risk individuals have visas to exit.
“The lives of thousands of people trapped in Afghanistan are in the hands of the Australian Prime Minister, and he should do all he can to ensure these people are brought to safety.
Sam Klintworth, Amnesty International Australia National Director
“We implore Mr Morrison to act with the utmost urgency so Australia can be on the right side of history in this desperately tragic and escalating crisis.”
