Australian Refugee Council Urges Government to Keep Afghan Embassy Open
The Refugee Council of Australia has voiced serious concern over reports that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is pressuring for the closure of the Afghan embassy in Canberra. In a statement, the council warned that such a move could deprive thousands of Afghans residing in Australia of essential consular and diplomatic services.
According to the council, officials from the department are seeking to halt the operations of the Afghan embassy—an action it describes as potentially harmful to the Afghan community in Australia.
The statement noted that the Refugee Council has formally written to several Australian ministers, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Immigration, Multicultural Affairs, International Development, Women, and Public Services, urging an immediate reconsideration of the decision. The council emphasized that the Afghan embassy in Canberra functions as an “independent mission” providing vital services to Afghan migrants and refugees, and that closing it could result in widespread hardship.
Reports indicate that since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghan diplomatic missions in several countries have faced significant challenges. Refugee experts argue that the Taliban lacks international legitimacy and its inability to maintain regular diplomatic services has placed additional strain on Afghan migrants abroad.
