Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) and its members stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, Australian Afghan communities and Australian Veterans at these heartbreaking days. RCAA is especially concerned about the situation of Afghans who now face the very real prospect of becoming refugee and vulnerable because of current situation. RCAA members understand the horror of war and walk in the shoes of the people of Afghanistan. RCAA stands in solidarity with Afghan women, children and vulnerable people who have and are facing significant obstacles during their painful time. RCAA Deputy Chairperson, Nasiba Akram Haidari said, “this is deeply a distressing time for me, my family and many Afghans in Australia and across the world. As a women and first political asylum seeker from Afghanistan to Australia, I feel the pain”. “Considering the current situation, I would like to call on the Australian government that there is immediate need for a safe passage for Afghans who are the relatives of the Australian citizens and those who worked with Australian NGOs, and they are in danger.” “I call on the Australian government for organising immediate humanitarian aid, such as food, water, shelter for internally displace people.” Said Ms Haidari Mr Juma Piri Piri, Chairperson of RCAA said “RCAA acknowledges the support the Australia government has provided to Australians and visa holders but more needs to be done”. “We appeal to the government to provide humanitarian assistance and grant permanent resident visas to temporary visa holders in Australia and those in Afghanistan who supported our veterans during the Coalition missions in the last 20 years” said Piri. RCAA is led by refugee communities and their members in every state and territory as a unified peak national body that advocates for people of refugee background with lived experience in Australia. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email.  

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc (RCAA) and members congratulate Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission for being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) at the Queens Honours Awards for service to multiculturalism in Australia. RCAA acknowledges Vivienne Nguyen’s tireless contribution and advocacy to multiculturalism in Victoria. RCAA is enormously proud and thank Vivienne Nguyen AM for building an inclusive and cohesive society Victoria. RCAA Chairperson, Mr Juma Piri Piri said “Vivienne Nguyen is a true champion of multiculturalism who goes above and beyond multicultural community and RCAA is pleased to see this great work is reflected”. RCAA Patron, Mr Huss Mustafa OAM said “he couldn’t think of a more fitting honour for Vivienne Nguyen, Chairperson Victorian Multicultural Commission than being acknowledged on Queens Birthday’s Honours list and awarded the Member of the Order of Australia AM. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vivienne for immense contribution to the Multicultural Community of Victoria,” said Mr Mustafa. RCAA Executive Director, Mr Elijah Buol OAM, said, ‘Ms Nguyen’s tireless service to the multicultural community in Victoria is an indication of enormous contributions made by migrants and refugees in Australia”. “They positively touch lives of many generations and build inclusive communities and Vivienne Nguyen AM continues to just do that” said Mr Buol. RCAA and its members congratulate and wish Vivienne Nguyen AM as she continues to serve and advocate on issues that matter to all Australians and disadvantaged communities. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]