| Dr. Rateb Junaid: "On the National Apology Day, we salute the strength, dignity, and resilience of the peoples of First Nations. |
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AFIC Statement on National Sorry Day
25/05/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) acknowledges National Sorry Day and stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly survivors of the Stolen Generations and their families.
National Sorry Day is a solemn reminder of the truth of this country’s history. It calls on all Australians to remember the children forcibly removed from their families, communities and Country, and to recognise the enduring trauma, grief and disconnection caused by those policies. Reconciliation Australia has rightly reminded the nation that sorry must be matched by action, and that the unfinished business of justice for Stolen Generations survivors remains urgent.
AFIC acknowledges that the trauma experienced by First Nations peoples did not begin or end with the Stolen Generations. It is rooted in the historical genocide, dispossession, violence, exclusion and denial inflicted upon the First Peoples of this land. These injustices continue to be felt today through intergenerational trauma, inequality, and the ongoing struggle for recognition, reconciliation, truth-telling and self-determination.
As Australian Muslims, we recognise that we live, work and worship on lands that were never ceded. Our communities have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to stand with First Nations peoples in their pursuit of justice. Solidarity requires more than words. It requires a commitment to truth, respect, repair and meaningful action.
AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid said:
“On National Sorry Day, we honour the strength, dignity and resilience of First Nations peoples, especially survivors of the Stolen Generations and their families. The Australian Muslim community stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their ongoing struggle for truth, justice, recognition and healing. There can be no genuine reconciliation without truth-telling, and there can be no healing while injustice continues.”
AFIC calls on governments, institutions and communities across Australia to move beyond symbolic acknowledgement and commit to practical measures that address the continuing impacts of colonisation, forced removal, dispossession and systemic disadvantage.
On this National Sorry Day, AFIC reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, cultures, histories and continuing connection to Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and its commitment to walking alongside them in the work of justice and reconciliation.
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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 |
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