15 August – The Darkest Day in Afghanistan’s History

In the Federal Parliament of Australia, 15 August 2021 Recognised as the Darkest Day in Afghanistan’s History

On the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan (15 August 2021), a commemoration was held in the Federal Parliament of Australia with the participation of the Ambassador of Afghanistan, Members of Parliament, Senators, civil society organisations, and members of the Afghan community. The gathering was initiated by the Afghan Peace Foundation and hosted by Senator Fatima Payman.

In her opening remarks, Senator Payman, Leader of the Australian Voice Party, reflected on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the widespread violations of human rights, particularly the rights of Afghan women and girls. She emphasised the necessity of supporting the people of Afghanistan in these difficult times, describing this day—now known as the “Dark Day”—as a reminder of the pain and struggles of millions of Afghans, especially women and girls.

Ms. Alicia Payne, Member of Parliament from the governing Labor Party, noted in her remarks that Australia, along with Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands, has lodged a case at the International Court of Justice against the Taliban for the systematic violation of the rights of women and girls. She further announced that the Australian Government has allocated 26,500 special humanitarian visas for Afghans through to 2026.

His Excellency Wahidullah Waissi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Australia, also addressed the gathering, describing 15 August as a “Dark Day” and the greatest test of global conscience and commitment towards the Afghan people. He stressed that what fell in 2021 was not merely a government, but the hope of millions of Afghans for a democratic and rights-based future. He added:

“In the face of the Taliban, what did not collapse was the will of the Afghan people. Today, Afghanistan is not defined by the Taliban, but by its courageous women, its capable youth, and its resilient generation. Afghanistan is still breathing through the shared values of democracy, freedom, and justice—and this voice will never be silenced.”

Senator Paul Scarr, from the opposition Liberal Party, also reaffirmed Australia’s support for the people of Afghanistan and stressed the urgency of finding solutions to the challenges facing Afghan migrants.

The gathering concluded with an exchange of views between participants and parliamentarians. Ms. Tahera Nosrat, head of the Afghan Peace Foundation, closed the session by pledging to develop an action plan based on the discussions held at this event.