‘Make Nepal shine': Nepali community's vision for the new multicultural centre in Sydney
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'Let Nepal be seen': Sydney's Nepali community shares vision for multicultural centre
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SBS Australia
32 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
Impact of Taliban rule on women and girls decried by advocates in Australia on anniversary
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . "Before 2021, we had women pilots, women in the army, women doctors, women in the parliament, and women running for the presidential elections in Afghanistan. While currently we are talking is 2025, people might think that the speed of progress for women might have multiplied, but to be really honest, it has gone to stone age. Women are deprived of work, girls are deprived of schools, of universities." That's Khalid Amiri, a former journalist for a state broadcaster in Afghanistan. He tells SBS News about the situation for women in Afghanistan today, saying it has worsened since the country's capital city of Kabul was captured by the Taliban four years ago. The United Nations says more than 78 percent of Afghan women are not in education, employment or training. In its latest report, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan says women's movements in public spaces is heavily restricted, with numerous cases of women being detained for allegedly breaching the dress code requirements. A Taliban spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, told SBS Pashto, the Taliban takes a different view. "Women have now found a place for themselves that was their rightful Sharia-based right, from which they had been deprived for many years. Nowadays, they have access to it, they can easily obtain their rights, make their own decisions and determine their own destiny in life." Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban authorities have reinstated a ban on females accessing education after sixth grade. Mr Mujahid says the Taliban is still considering ways to change the education curriculum to better align with Islamic principles and Afghan culture. "It was initially stated that this is a temporary decision and that the needs would be assessed. We want to find a way that respects our Sharia principles and also achieves consensus in society." As Afghanistan emerged from a civil war, from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban controlled most of the country, imposing their interpretation of Sharia or Islamic religious law. In 2001, it was removed from power by a US-led invasion, but retook control when US forces left 20 years later - in 2021. Ever since, it has sought international recognition. In July this year, Russia announced itself as the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Mr Mujahid says it understands the role of diplomacy. "But when you are not recognised by anyone and the diplomatic door is closed and then they have demands, it is not effective. We value our relations with Australia. We seek good relations with this country, with the Australian nation and with the Afghans residing in Australia. Consular services should be provided responsibly to the Afghan community living in Australia." An independent UN investigator on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, delivered a report to the UN General Assembly earlier this month in which he says the legal and judicial system are being used to oppress women and girls. He cited actions like the suspension of laws protecting women and girls, including a landmark law that criminalised 22 forms of violence such as rape and forced marriage. Maryam Zahid is the CEO of Afghan Women On the Move, a group that focuses on empowering women through digital and financial literacy, women's health advocacy and employment. "I came as a refugee myself 26 years ago and when I arrived in Australia under Women at Risk Program - and it has been 30 years that I was forced to leave Afghanistan. So it's been a long time for me to say it with confidence and say it telling the truth of how much the systematic barriers and the outdated laws and policies that looked at the refugees, especially women." She describes the situation back home. "Since the fall of Kabul and how much the patriarchal society now, it's kind of dominating the rights of women in Afghanistan. It's not as easy as we wish to kind of work with them. Even behind the scenes, even sending them money. It's quite risky for them to go and pick up money regardless of which terms we kind of send them." She says safety is a key issue - and there are risks from the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media that have put women in Afghanistan in danger. "Those images used against these women. And there were some even they were reported to Taliban and Taliban directly went and found them and yeah, they get warnings and they get abused." She says leaders in Australia should put their words into action. "Leaders should go beyond issuing statements. They should stand in solidarity with Afghan women. It's kind of sad to see that we are ignoring half of the population in a country, but also the diaspora that also women like me experienced Taliban. And we know the impact of those type of trauma that lasts with you forever." Khalid Amiri was a broadcast journalist in his home country - and now resides in Melbourne. He says he has not forgotten what life was like in Afghanistan that forced him to flee in 2021. "On 15th of August, Kabul fell to the Taliban and it was the worst nightmare that came true for all of us. And it was the biggest definition of betrayal by the international community towards the Afghans. How they threw Afghans to a regime that was killing them. And now this regime came into power and the entire international community was like: 'oh, we packed up our bags and we are leaving and the Afghans know what to do with it'." He says he is affected by survivor's guilt - wondering why he was able to escape the situation, but others still struggle to leave the country. "Why is the international community not listening to the plea of those Afghan girls left in Afghanistan? With my family that I speak to every day, to be really honest, it's not a brighter picture or it's not a positive picture that I get on daily basis from them. Particularly with the younger ones, they don't see a future for their self. Every youngster you meet is trying to find a way to leave the country." He says for those who can't make it to western countries, they are compelled to go to the neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Iran where they could face severe torture from the police. Mr Amiri says Iran has been sending back refugees to Afghanistan, which is another issue for the people who escaped the Taliban reprisals. "And the thing that makes us very upset is the deafening silence of world leaders. All we see is just a few tweets coming up on social media from them of condemnation. While there are no concrete steps being taken." Patrick Ryan is an independent humanitarian advocate for the former Afghan locally engaged staff of the Australian Embassy in Kabul. He used to be the facilities manager there. Mr Ryan says he was very pleased when DFAT reached out to him last year to help with the verification of some of their contracted employees that worked at the Australian embassy. "Since Australia made its intention to vacate the embassy in Kabul in May 2021, I began a fairly sustained advocacy campaign that ran for six months that involved assembling a delegation of representatives for the contracted employees at the embassy to organise their colleagues to make Afghan LEE ((Afghan Locally Engaged Employee Program)) applications to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade." The LEE program was established by the Australian government in 2012 as a pathway for priority processing for humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals who were employed with the Australian government in Afghanistan; and are at risk of harm due to their employment. It closed in May last year, but outstanding visa applications are still being processed. Since 2012, the program has helped more than 2,500 Afghans and their families to arrive in Australia. Mr Ryan says he understands there are 13 people he is helping who remain either stranded in Afghanistan or in third countries awaiting an outcome - and much more needs to be done to ensure their safety. "The Senate inquiry and the review of the immigration instrument 12 1 27 has taken nearly three years. During that time there's been no processing of anyone under any of the contracted employees under the Afghan LEE [[locally engaged employee]] special humanitarian visa program. And now we're seeing amendments made by the Albanese government excluding some of the people who may have previously been eligible for that program." He says he knows of two people awaiting a visa outcome who were in Tehran after attending the embassy for biometric and medical checks, when a missile attack took place. "They then came under attack during the conflict between Iran and Israel. Some of them had to make lengthy journeys on foot to get out of Tehran and had to go back into Afghanistan into hiding whilst waiting for their visas." But he says there is still hope. "I'm very happy that our youngest member of staff, who I'll just call 'Khader' at the moment to protect his identity, is going to be arriving in Adelaide later this month, nearly four years after the fall of Kabul. He was only 14 years old when he worked at the embassy as an apprentice painter. He's since gained his degree in engineering at Kabul Polytechnic, and he's going to be settling with relatives in Adelaide soon." He says it's really important for the Australian government and Department of Home Affairs to make sure that Afghan LEE visa processing is expedited. "I'm rather hoping that the government will streamline this process so there can be expedited for people who are still here four years out, so deserving of Australia's protection for the service they gave us in Afghanistan during our 20 year occupation."
SBS Australia
32 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
Midday News Bulletin 16 August 2025
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . TRANSCRIPT: The US and Russian presidents fail to come to a Ukraine peace deal A 5.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Queensland leaving thousands without power Brisbane thrash Fremantle by 57 points as Fyfe's finals hopes fade Parents and unions have cautiously welcomed reforms to Working with Children Checks but say further action is needed to protect children. Under changes announced on Friday, anyone barred from holding a check in one state or territory will, by year's end, be automatically banned nationwide. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland calls the reform long overdue but rules out a single national system, with states and territories continuing to run their own checks. "This is long overdue reform that Australians rightly expect will be delivered. We do not have a national scheme, and the states and territories administer those schemes. We are looking at a way in which we can get the most efficient outcome, and that is by individual state schemes talking to one another. That's what we are going to do through the National Checking Capability, and that's what states and territories have agreed." The Australian Childcare Alliance says the move would help close dangerous loopholes but urged further measures, including a national register for early childhood educators and teachers. United States President Donald Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin were not able to reach an agreement at talks in Alaska, but he believes progress has been made toward achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine. The summit has been the first face-to-face encounter for the two leaders since 2019. While President Trump seemed confident of achieving a deal with Russia prior to the meeting, he now says there are still some key points that need to be addressed first. "There's no deal until there's a deal. I will call up NATO in a little while, I will call up President Zelenskyy and tell him about today's meeting. It's ultimately up to them. But we had an extremely productive meeting and many points were agreed to and there are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there." President Putin praised Mr Trump for helping make diplomatic progress toward peace. "Our talks were held in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere, and were very thorough and useful. I would like to thank my American colleague once again for the offer to come to Alaska. It is quite logical to meet here. After all, our countries, although separated by oceans, are in fact close neighbours." Mr Putin has also suggested the next round of talks could take place in Moscow. The Albanese government has welcomed the diplomatic steps taken by United States President Donald Trump at talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland tells Channel Seven that all tools must be used to push for an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine has been going on for too long and we as a government welcome the United States involvement to try to bring this conflict to a close. Australia stands with Ukraine and any methods and any useful tools that the US could have at its disposal through this meeting is one that we certainly welcome because I'm sure that all Australians want to see this conflict end, as does the rest of the free world." An earthquake has struck Queensland with thousands feeling the effects near Australia's east coast. Geoscience Australia registered a 5.6 magnitude earthquake near the Wrattens National Park at Kilkivan, about 170 kilometres northwest of Brisbane this morning. The quake was recorded about 9:50am at a depth of two kilometres. More than 6000 people told the agency that they felt the affects of the quake within half an hour. The agency says earthquakes above magnitude five occur every one-to-two years, with an average of 100 quakes at magnitude three or lower recorded each year in Australia. Half a century ago then prime minister Gough Whitlam poured a handful of soil into the hands of a man who had led an eight-year protest for the rights of his people On the 16th of August 1975 Mr Whitlam travelled to Wave Hill Station, about 600 kilometres south of Darwin, to hand back land to the Gurindji people. It was the first time the Commonwealth Government had returned land to its original custodians. During the handover ceremony, transferring leasehold title to a parcel of land at the Wave Hill cattle station to Gurindji people, Mr Whitlam poured the soil into the hands of senior Elder Vincent Lingiari. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the iconic image of the exchange is an enduring tribute to the courage, determination and solidarity of Gurindji people. In football, Liverpool have beaten Bournemouth in a 4-2 thriller at Anfield in the opening match of the Premier League season. Newcomer Hugo Ekiteke bagged a goal on his debut before Cody Gakpo doubled the lead at the beginning of the second half. But Antoine Semenyo, who was the target of racist abuse from fans in the first half, scored twice in 12 minutes to shock the home fans and level the playing field. But Mo Salah and fellow forward Federico Chiesa struck late goals to give the league champions a welcome win as they begin the defence of their title.
SBS Australia
an hour ago
- SBS Australia
'When I wear the clothes... I feel proud': How these women fleeing conflict find strength
In a community centre tucked away in suburban Perth, the room hums with soft laughter and the subtle movements of thread being woven by hand. A group of Karen women sit side by side, chatting in their native language as they weave vibrant threads into traditional cloth — a craft passed down through generations. For them, this is more than a weekly gathering. It is a labour of love and a powerful act of cultural preservation. Among them is Sisterlay Toe, a member of the growing Karen community in Perth. "I use the fabric to make clothes for myself, and when I wear the clothes, I am happy, I feel proud," the 47-year-old said. Sisterlay Toe, a member of the Karen community in Perth, said she finds pride in using traditional skills to create clothing. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan The Karen, also known as Kayin, are an ethnic group originally from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Thailand. Weaving is central to Karen cultural identity, with women passing down these skills to their daughters as a way to preserve both history and cultural memory. "It is really important that we keep weaving alive," Toe said. "It helps us to remember our culture and the skills that our great-grandparents have, and then we can show it to the next generation." Toe is among 15,000 Karen people who now call Australia home, many having fled conflict and persecution in their homeland. "I still remember the military coming to our village very often, and we did not want to be arrested," she said. "Sometimes, they wanted to destroy, by burning our houses. And also sometimes there was looting and killing." The Karen are an ethnic minority group from Myanmar who have faced decades of conflict and displacement. Source: AP Conflict has raged in Myanmar for decades, but the worsening human rights crisis stems largely from a 2021 military coup. Since then, the military has been fighting a wide array of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed groups, resulting in thousands of deaths, with many more detained or forced to flee their homes. The crisis was further compounded earlier this year by devastating earthquakes that killed more than 3,700 people. A United Nations report released earlier this week states it has gathered evidence of "systematic torture" in Myanmar's military-run detention facilities and identified some of the most senior perpetrators. While the military has not responded to the allegations laid out in the report, it has repeatedly denied committing atrocities, saying it is maintaining peace and security while blaming "terrorists" for unrest. Aid cuts put Karen refugees at risk The Karen are among the ethnic communities in Myanmar most affected by the ongoing conflict. Graham Thom, advocacy co-ordinator for the Refugee Council of Australia, said there are nine makeshift camps along the Myanmar-Thai border that house over 100,000 displaced Karen people. "Those in the camps are totally dependent on non-government organisations and aid for their survival, for their health, their education, for even basic food," he said. However, recent cuts to international aid, particularly from the United States, have left many in a precarious situation. "When there are significant cuts to aid, it creates incredible hardship for the people in the camps," he said. "And the Karen are among the groups that are particularly suffering." Karen refugees living in camps along the Myanmar-Thailand border rely almost entirely on NGOs to meet their most basic needs of food, education, healthcare, and protection of their human rights. Thom is among several aid workers raising concerns about the growing humanitarian crisis in the camps, where food rations for children have been slashed to just a few US cents' worth per day. According to a statement co-published by 20 Karen groups, even before the aid reductions, food provisions were already insufficient to meet basic survival needs. "It is not just the US cutting funds, the UK and many other countries are withdrawing aid from such crucial crises," Thom said. "So, we really need Australia to lead by example and make sure that these communities are getting the support they need and aid is restored." Karen women in Perth are striving to keep the traditional skills of weaving alive. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan Healing through weaving With all sides in Myanmar's civil war accused of committing war crimes, returning to Myanmar remains risky for Karen refugees. Many have found new homes in Australia, including Mu Lay SongSaeng, who said she was so happy for the chance at a new life here because she has more freedom. "We don't need to be afraid of the military and we don't need to run around because of the civil war," she said. However, like many from her community, SongSaeng fears traditional Karen skills like weaving are in danger of being lost. This prompted her to revitalise a group called 'Weave to Thrive' two years ago in Mirrabooka, in northern Perth. The weaving group connects women from the community and seeks to foster pride in their cultural heritage. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan As it has been for centuries, Karen cloth is made on handheld looms carved from recycled timber. "Back in Myanmar, we don't have many fancy things. So, we used whatever was around in our environment. If we have bamboo or wood, then our men make it into shapes so we use it," she said. SongSaeng said weaving together helps women to heal. Many have lost so much during their past traumatic experiences. "In our culture, blue, red and white are the famous colours, and red represents bravery," she described. "Every Friday, this room comes alive. It is full of fun and joy. The women really enjoy coming here and they produce lovely handicrafts and also sell fabrics to earn some income." A group of Karen women in Perth come together to weave handicrafts, with some also selling handwoven fabrics to earn an income. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan However, many Karen fear for those still languishing in Thai camps. "We want the world to know that the Karen living in refugee camps face a lot of problems," she said. "But we also want the world to know that we are strong!"
