28 August 2026

Amnesty International Australia urges the Australian Government to not fall short in fulfilling its obligations it owes in offering pathways to protection and safety. The Government's immigration policy review should be an opportunity to strengthen Australia's commitment to people seeking safety.

Andrew Witheford, Amnesty International Australia's International and Crisis Campaigner says:

"We remind the Government that Australia holds both a moral responsibility and obligations under international law to people seeking protection from persecution and grave human rights violations.

"Having been involved in Afghanistan for two decades, Australia has a particular responsibility to ensure that people at risk in Afghanistan are not abandoned as the country continues to experience a devastating human rights crisis.

"Australia should be expanding its commitment to people fleeing persecution, not shrinking it."

"This must include dedicated places for women and girls who have endured five years of the Taliban's systematic repression, as well as human rights defenders and members of marginalised and persecuted groups.

"Australia should be expanding its commitment to people fleeing persecution, not shrinking it. The Government must ensure that Australia remains a country where people facing grave human rights abuses can find safety, protection and the opportunity to rebuild their lives and futures.

"Amnesty International Australia reiterates its calls to the Australian Government to establish dedicated pathways for people seeking safety from Afghanistan, with priority and expedited processing for women and girls at risk, human rights defenders and minority communities. These pathways must include meaningful access to family reunion and adequate settlement support, recognising that protection does not end when a person reaches Australia.

"Amnesty International Australia reiterates its calls to the Australian Government to establish dedicated pathways for people seeking safety from Afghanistan, with priority and expedited processing for women and girls at risk, human rights defenders and minority communities."

"The Government should also commit, in the May 2027 Federal Budget, to a multi-year allocation of humanitarian places for the following three years. A predictable, adequately resourced humanitarian program would provide greater certainty for people seeking protection and ensure Australia is able to meet its international obligations."

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