Everywhere you look, you only see red, part 2

[dolorosa_12]

Cut for discussion of the situation in Afghanistan, as well as practical suggestions about what to do to help.


I assume most people I know have seen the shocking, terrifying and deeply distressing news from Afghanistan, and felt speechless with horror and helplessness about what to do. At the very least, we should write to our elected representatives. I have written two versions of the following, one for my Australian MP and one for my UK MP. Please feel free to use it as a template and adapt to your local circumstances (the version below is the Australian one, but the UK version is very similar).

If any Australian or UK-based friend wants to send a similar letter but doesn't know who their MP is, please send me a message with your postcode and I can find out this information. You do not have to be a citizen to write to your local MP - just a resident. If you are an immigrant like me you often still retain voting rights in your country of origin, and in this case 'your' MP is the MP representing the constituency/electorate in which you were last registered to vote when you lived in the country. (If you live in countries other than Australia or the UK I'm less certain on the process for contacting the relevant political representatives so wouldn't want to offer advice.)

Letter is as follows:

'Dear Tanya,

I am a constituent of yours, and I write with deep concern and distress at the situation in Afghanistan. I am asking you as my elected representative to do all you can to bring about the following:

-Increase Australia's intake of Afghan refugees, particularly those most at risk of violence and death at the hands of the Taliban - women, children, and ethnic minorities.
-Give permanent protection to Afghan refugees already in Australia, in the form of humanitarian visas and a pathway to permanent residence (including any family members not already resident in Australia).
-Lift the ban on resettling Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia.

Australia has a moral duty to provide refuge, safety and a permanent home to Afghan people whose lives are at risk. I trust you will do all in your power to enable this to happen.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[full name and address]'


Please feel free to share this, and to use and adapt as required.

Comments

[chestnut_pod]

Thank you very much for sharing this.

[dolorosa_12]

You're welcome. I'm probably going to need to send a new letter to both MPs, as both Australia and the UK have 'committed' to taking large numbers of Afghan refugees in a way that's basically a fudge designed to placate outraged people who aren't looking closely at the details.