We are honoured to share that Peace for Asia’s founder and president Rita Anwari Sultani was invited to the Parliament House on 14th February 2023. The event commenced with an interactive session addressing 25 Honourable Members of the Federal Parliament about the situation and challenges faced by Afghan women. The session was hosted by Honourable Rebekha Sharkie, Federal Member for Mayo, South Australia. Ms Rita was accompanied by Mrs Fatima, Susan and Najla Ibrahimi (a former politician from Afghanistan), who were guest speakers at this event.
Rita initiated her talk by acknowledging her gratitude for the esteemed participants, especially the Federal Members of Parliament representing Queensland, specifically to Honourable Shayne Neumann, MP of Oxley, and Honourable Graham Perrett, MP of Moreton, for their time and overall efforts in working for an inclusive and progressive Queensland.
Rita took the opportunity to share the stories of Afghan women after the collapse of the government on 15th August 2021. Afghan women face a bleak future today. For educated and aspirational women, every passing day brings along new risks to their lives. Rita also drew the parliament’s attention to several success stories of Afghans emigrating to Australia. The fact that these individuals were able to rebuild their lives in a short period points to the immense potential and indomitable spirit of the Afghans.
Following Rita’s address, other guest speakers shared insights about the current challenges, and stories of those fleeing Afghanistan in these challenging times. Other speakers reiterated the importance of continuing the support for the vulnerable women and children of Afghanistan, particularly the families separated during the evacuations.
Following the keynote speeches, a follow-up question-answer session was held with questions from the Members of Parliament and the media was invited for a press conference. Rita and other guest speakers shared their insights on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the plight of asylum seekers and practical steps needed to expedite the process of handling the immigration for qualified visa applicants.
Soon after the press conference, the delegation was invited by Milton Dick, Honourable Speaker of the House, to attend a session of the House of Representatives, where the Honourable Prime Minister and his Cabinet were addressing the House. The delegation also met with senior staff at the office of Penny Wong, Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, to discuss the Afghans in Australia and express Afghans in Australia and expressing appreciation for its efforts for Afghan refugees. The delegation shared its concerns regarding the families separated during evacuation with the senior advisor of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Honourable MPs who attended the session led by Rita and her colleagues, particularly the office of Rebekha Sharkie for organising and hosting the session. We are also thankful to the MPs from Queensland who continue to support the Afghan community, advocating for their concerns. Lastly, we also thank the Speaker of the House for inviting the delegation to visit the Parliament House during its live session.