Tahmina Maskinyar and Belqis Youssofzay outline five actions we can all take in solidarity with Afghanistan, with supporting references. These are provided in association with the Light at the End of the Tunnel session.
1. Amplify Afghan voices
Research:
- Durand Line
- Architectural competitions and design discourse on Afghanistan
Read
- Afghanistan: Politics and Economics in a Globalising State, by Niamatullah Ibrahimi, William Maley, 2019
- Imagining Afghanistan: The History and Politics of Imperial Knowledge, by Nivi Manchedi
Articles:
- The historical sites of key concern after the Taliban’s return
- Amnesty International: Afghanistan’s Refugees – 40 years of Dispossession
- The latest chapter in a shameful history of the US in Afghanistan.
- A new generation of Australian War Criminals
- Sahar Fetrat, The storm before the hurricane – a personal essay on Afghanistan
- White washed but a starting point: Kabul Architecture of War
- Afghanistan’s cultural heritage: Safeguarding Campaign
- With Taliban Forces in Control, Afghanistan’s Cultural Heritage Faces Renewed Threats
- Bagh-e Babur Garden / Hidden Architecture
- The Afghan artefacts that survived Taliban destruction
Listen
2. Donate what you can, every small effort helps
There are a lot of charities going around, so be sure to give what you can to reputable ones. If you can, become a regular donor so that you go on helping when the rest of the world loses interest. Here are just some charities you can give to:
- Aseel Foundation Food Packages
- Doctors without Borders are still active in Afghanistan
- Afghani Hospitals: support
- Baba Mazari Foundation
- Hand to Hand Sadaqah Group
- World orphan foundation
- Afghanistan National Institute of Music Emergency Fund
- World Food Programme: Afghanistan Appeal
3. Sign
Petitions have enormous potential to also speak truth to power. If you see a petition, read it, sign it, circulate it. Here are some petitions you can sign now.
4. Call Scott Morrison and Marise Payne
- Scott Morrison: (02) 6277 7700
- Marise Payne: (02) 9687 8755
5. Write to Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs
Download the template letter, and add your own comment and content – personalised letters are more likely to be read. So, please do not disregard the importance of this! The template includes helpful prompts.
