| Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC: “The world must recognis...It is a universal principle enshrined in international law |
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AFIC Stands in Solidarity with the People of Kashmir and Calls for International Action
28/04/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) expresses its deep concern over the escalating situation in Kashmir and reaffirms its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
Recent reports of intensified military operations, curfews, and violent crackdowns, including exchanges of fire across the Line of Control and aggressive deployments deep within Kashmir’s civilian areas, highlight once again the ongoing oppression suffered by the Kashmiri people under decades of occupation.
While today’s headlines may focus on the most recent violence, the tragedy of Kashmir is not new. For more than 75 years, the people of Kashmir have endured occupation, human rights violations, and the systematic denial of their basic freedoms. They continue to call for what every nation and people are entitled to under international law — the right to determine their own future, free from external domination and coercion.
The situation in Kashmir mirrors in many respects the ongoing catastrophe unfolding in Gaza: military occupation, widespread civilian suffering, and a global community that too often turns a blind eye until the devastation becomes undeniable.
As Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, stated
“The world must recognise that the right to self-determination is not a privilege bestowed selectively. It is a universal principle enshrined in international law. The people of Kashmir have suffered for too long, and their cries for justice must not be ignored. We call on the Australian Government and the broader international community to intervene proactively and uphold the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people before history repeats itself with yet another humanitarian catastrophe.â€
AFIC urges all nations committed to justice and human rights to:
•   Demand an immediate end to the ongoing repression in Kashmir.
•   Call for international monitoring of the human rights situation on the ground.
•   Support genuine political dialogue that respects the will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
•   Stand against the normalization of military occupation anywhere, whether it be in Palestine, Kashmir, or elsewhere.
The world’s silence in the face of oppression is complicity. Now is the time to act — not after more lives are lost.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
