Reckoning with the legacy of war crimes in Afghanistan: Discussion – 28 January 2023

Jan 12, 2023 | Afghanistan, Events

Discussion: Reckoning with the legacy of war crimes in Afghanistan
Melbourne, Saturday 28 January 2023
 
In recent years, much information has come to light about human rights abuses by members of Australian special forces in Afghanistan. The Brereton Report, published in November 2020, found credible evidence of numerous war crimes including unlawful killing and cruel treatment of prisoners. While some steps are underway to address such wrongdoing, Australia has a long way to go towards fully reckoning with the legacy of its military engagement in Afghanistan.
 
At this event, ACIJ’s Acting Executive Director Fiona Nelson will outline Australia’s response to these revelations to date and speak to a number of key questions such as: What are the prospects of justice for victims and their communities? What impact has the Taliban takeover had on efforts to provide redress to victims and their families? How can the processes underway in Australia contribute to the broader efforts to address human rights abuses in Afghanistan by various parties to the conflicts of the past decades?
 
Also joining the discussion is artist Elyas Alavi, whose multi-medium work addresses complex histories in the Greater Middle East region, drawing on his own background as a displaced Hazara. At this event, Alavi will be displaying selected works from his recent series “BLOODING” which explores the legacy of Australia’s military engagement in Afghanistan.

In conversation, the speakers will discuss how joint efforts from artists, journalists, lawyers and interested members of the community can contribute to the process of reckoning with past wrongs. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session and tea and coffee will be served.

 

When: Saturday 28 January 2023, 2pm – 3:30pm

Where: Gallery 1 at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, Corner Walker and Robinson Streets, Dandenong VIC 3175

Registration: Places are limited. To register for this event, please email info@acij.org.au by Thursday 26 January.

About the Australian Centre for International Justice: The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) is an independent and not-for-profit legal centre and non-government organisation that fights for justice and accountability for grave crimes and is working to develop Australia’s investigations and prosecutions of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and torture.

Attendance at this event is free of charge. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue our work. You can donate here.

 

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