| This year's Naidoc Week 2026 is being held under the slogan "50 Years of Struggle" |
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AFIC recognises NAIDOC Week and reaffirms solidarity with First Nations peoples
6/07/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) recognises NAIDOC Week 2026 and joins communities across Australia in honouring the history, culture, strength and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
AFIC acknowledges the First Peoples of this land, their continuing connection to Country, culture, language, family and community, and the enduring strength they have shown in the face of dispossession, violence, discrimination and exclusion.
This year’s NAIDOC Week, held from 5 to 12 July 2026, marks the theme “50 Years of Deadly”, recognising five decades of celebration, truth telling, resistance, cultural pride and community leadership. NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration, but it is also a time of reflection and responsibility. It reminds all Australians that reconciliation cannot be reduced to symbolism. It must be grounded in truth, justice, recognition, self-determination, and a genuine commitment to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
The Australian Muslim community stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their continuing struggle for justice, dignity, recognition and healing. As a faith community, we understand that standing against oppression is not optional. It is a moral obligation.
The Qur’an reminds us:
“O you who believe, stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives.”
Qur’an 4:135
AFIC President Dr Rateb Junaid said NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for Muslim Australians to reaffirm their commitment to justice and solidarity, “NAIDOC Week is a time to honour the strength, resilience and leadership of First Nations peoples. It is also a time for the rest of Australia to listen, to learn, and to confront the truth of this country’s history.”
“As Muslims, our faith calls us to stand with those who have been wronged, to speak for justice, and to oppose oppression wherever it exists. Our solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not symbolic. It is grounded in our shared commitment to dignity, justice and human equality.”
AFIC recognises that the struggle of First Nations peoples is ongoing. The work of truth telling, treaty, recognition, reconciliation and justice remains unfinished. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to face unacceptable inequalities in health, housing, education, incarceration, child removal, land rights and political recognition.
Australia cannot speak seriously about reconciliation while ignoring the structural injustices that continue to affect First Nations peoples. Recognition must be matched by action. Respect must be matched by justice. Reconciliation must be built on truth.
AFIC pays tribute to First Nations Elders, past and present, and to the generations of leaders, families, activists, artists, educators and community members who have carried the struggle for justice with courage and dignity.
During NAIDOC Week, AFIC encourages Muslim communities, mosques, Islamic schools and organisations across Australia to take part in local events, learn from First Nations voices, acknowledge the land on which they live and worship, and deepen relationships of respect, solidarity and shared responsibility.
AFIC remains committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the pursuit of justice, reconciliation, recognition and a future built on dignity for all.
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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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