Melbourne has a large number of Afghan migrants, including many refugees from state persecution and violence.

This community has grown significantly in the past two decades and community legal centres have played an important role in supporting people to establish their new lives in Australia.

ECLC CEO, Michael Smith, said their team would provide all possible support and work with other services to meet any emerging needs in the communities we work with across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

“Eastern Community Legal Centre is waiting to assist in any way we can, including supporting concerned individuals and groups to advocate for support where it is needed.”

“Right now, there are many individuals and families facing extreme anxiety and trauma around the loss of loved ones and uncertainty around the safety of family, friends and others.”

“Eastern Community Legal Centre is supporting the Afghan Australian Advocacy Network’s call for the Federal Government to take six urgent actions in support of the Afghan people.”

“These include increasing Australia’s humanitarian intake, prioritising high-risk groups for evacuation, expediting the processing of Family visas and granting permanent protection to all Afghan asylum seekers and refugees in Australia.”

For more information on the Afghan Australian Advocacy Network’s open letter, currently supported by over 10,000 individuals and 300 organisations across Australia, visit their website: www.actionforafghanistan.com.au

For support and advice, please contact Refugee Legal below or get in touch with us for further options:

Refugee Legal – Call 9413 0166 – 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or download their fact sheet.