More than 3,500 people have added their signatures to a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison urging him to provide expedited asylum for Afghans whose lives are at grave risk.
Led by Monash University's Gender, Peace and Security Centre, the letter expresses serious concern for the wellbeing of colleagues and the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls and ethnic minorities whose lives are at the greatest risk.
It also outlines a responsibility to provide security to Afghan temporary migrants, including international students, and refugees in Australia.
The Centre has had long associations with Afghan youth, human rights and women's rights activists.
Centre Director Professor Jacqui True said Australians should stand with Afghan citizens.
"We believe we have a responsibility to provide shelter to citizens who are likely to be persecuted by the new regime," Professor True said.
"The Australian Government should consider issuing priority refugee visas for Afghans and their families who have worked hard for women's - and human - rights in the country. Their contribution to their communities has been invaluable, and would be invaluable to Australia."
Professor True and her colleagues said the current emergency mission to evacuate Australian citizens and diplomats from Kabul should extend to Afghans whose lives are at risk.
The letter also asks the government to provide permanent residency and/or refugee status for Afghan temporary migrants, international students, refugees and asylum seekers currently in Australia to ensure their security and open the pathway for family reunification to enable those in Afghanistan to reunite with loved ones safely.
"This is a matter of life and death, and of Australia's moral responsibility," Professor True said. "As such, we ask the government to act immediately and stand up for the international human rights regime and provide safe asylum."
The Centre has advised the Prime Minister they are willing to send a delegation to discuss the humanitarian and protection needs of Afghan women and children, particularly those given emergency visas as they relocate to Australia.
To read the letter in full and add your signature click here.
