In the suburban streets of Kabul, there existed a community of young Afghans, male and female, devoted to peaceful inter-ethnic coexistence. Although they are no longer in operation under the Taliban regime, you can support the members of the community in the following ways:
PEN International is a worldwide association of writers which defends free expression, protects writers at risk, supports writers in exile, promotes linguistic rights and the written word in all its forms.
Sydney PEN is part of a network of 150 PEN International Centres worldwide which operates on five continents and includes 2 other Australian PEN centres in Melbourne and Perth. Sydney PEN supports persecuted writers in our region through various forms.
To support Sydney PEN become a member or donate.
Ads-up is a network of Australians and allies in the USA and Canada which has created a network of resettlement support to get people off Manus and Nauru. They support refugees arriving under the US-Australia refugee deal, and sponsor those who aren’t eligible to go to Canada.
The US government provides 90 days of limited assistance to new refugees – after that, they’re on their own. Those who aren’t eligible for the USA have no option for freedom other than private Canadian sponsorship.
You can help by:
The Sydney Alliance is a diverse coalition of community organisations, religious organisations, unions and schools that uses the tools of community organising to make the city a better place to live.
These organisations work together on a number of community-building projects such as affordable housing, renewable power and support for people seeking asylum.
You can join as an individual or as an organisation. Follow this link for more information.
There are a number of organisations who assist people seeking asylum in Australian communities, whether it be through legal support, material aid, health, education or other avenues. Here is a list of some of the best organisations I have worked with in the past. They can be supported financially or you can contact them directly regarding volunteer work or employment.
The National Justice Project is a not-for-profit legal service. They apply their expertise to advancing human rights by representing and giving voice to the vulnerable who would otherwise be unable to find legal representation.
The Aboriginal Health Justice Project is a targeted health-law service for First Nations peoples and communities who have experienced discrimination in healthcare or medical negligence.
Pueblo Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders) is a transborder organisation made up of human rights defenders of diverse nationality and immigration statuses that promotes accompaniment, humanitarian assistance, leadership development, recognition of human rights, and coordination of know-your-rights training along migrant routes, as well as monitoring and raising awareness of human rights abuses against migrants and refugees in Mexico and the United States. Their accompaniment does not end at the border, it continues in the immigration detention centres of the United States and the communities in Mexico and the US.
You can donate to the organisation or contact them directly to volunteer.
The Ta’ang Student Youth Union is an ethnic community group providing support for the Ta’ang people of Shan State Burma. Located in Lashio, the group empower Ta’ang youth by providing education opportunities; financially assisting displaced and impoverished Ta’ang villagers; and advocating for the Ta’ang people, holding the Burmese government to account by publishing reports on human rights abuses in the Shan state.
There are volunteer opportunities as a teacher with the group’s English language programs or in their office as an English language correspondent. Contact me directly to discuss. You can read my articles about the group to learn more.
