Steph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

In August, a united cross-section of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and secular Australians published a statement demanding action for Gaza—people of different faiths and backgrounds working together to urge the Australian government to act. These groups were united in calling for practical steps to help end the horror in Gaza by sanctioning Israel. The statement declared:

We are facing a moment of profound moral reckoning. In light of clear violations of international law, it is imperative that Australia respond with urgency and use every means available to end this horror.

Since then, the Albanese government has pledged to recognise Palestine. But recognition alone will not stop the bombs from falling, the guns from killing or the people from starving. Australia can and must show leadership by banning all arms trades, including trading parts for the F35 fighter jet, and impose sanctions akin to those we've placed on Russia. It's time to stand decisively for justice, dignity and the right of all human beings to live free from occupation and slaughter. The Albanese government must answer this call.

Earlier this month, I joined members of the Hazara community in Melbourne to commemorate the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. I heard stories of fear, loss and heartbreak but also of resilience, strength and an unwavering determination to keep fighting for justice. On that day in 2021, lives across Afghanistan were upended. Hazaras are one of the most persecuted ethnic groups in Afghanistan, and since the return of the Taliban attacks have escalated. They have been routinely subjected to targeted violence, killings and discrimination. Hazaras have faced a history of repression and violence by governments. They are subjected to targeted massacres at mosques and schools. Women are arbitrarily detained under the pretext of hijab laws, and girls are banned from education.

Last month, 25 Hazara families in Rashk village in the Bamiyan province were forcibly evicted from their homes by the Taliban. Armed men stormed their village, seized their houses and threw their belongings on to the street. The international community's response has been woefully inadequate. As we approach the 134th anniversary of the Hazara genocide, we support the calls from the Hazara community and international human rights groups to recognise and condemn escalations in violence, the ongoing persecution and acts of genocide against Hazaras. We continue to call for an increase to Australia's humanitarian intake to 50,000 places and a clear pathway to permanency for all those subjected to the so-called fast-track system.

We recently celebrated the anniversary of Pakistan's independence on 14 August. I want to acknowledge and have on the record of this parliament that this year's celebrations come at a difficult time for Pakistan's democracy. Pakistan is experiencing a dangerous escalation of anti-democratic activity. There are reports of arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, custodial torture of opposition figures and the use of military courts to try civilians. The unlawful detention of former president Imran Khan and the violent suppression of protests undermine democracy and fundamental rights. There have been military trials for civilians that breach international human rights conventions. All these actions violate basic democratic principles.

Pakistan's people deserve constitutional civilian rule and democratic governance. The Greens remain in solidarity with those calling for the release of political prisoners, an end to military trials for civilians, a free press without censorship and strong independent democratic institutions. We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and the diaspora here in Australia.

Today, I met with representatives from Australia's Tibetan community. They spoke with courage about the importance of protecting Tibetan culture and religious freedoms. The succession of the Dalai Lama is a sacred tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and Australia must take a principled stance in condemning any interference by the Chinese government.

As a democracy, we have a responsibility to stand with the Tibetan people, and Australia must affirm that Tibet's status is unresolved, press for genuine dialogue and support exiled communities working to preserve their culture. I have hope for a future where the people of Tibet are able to shape their own future—a future underpinned by safety, dignity and the freedom to preserve their culture and way of life.