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Australia lends a helping hand to fleeing Afghan para-athletes
Australia steps up in solidarity as Afghan paralympians Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli are invited to seek refuge in the country.
There are reports that two afghan paralympians who have landed in Tokyo to compete in the 2020 Paralympics, will soon resettle in Australia.
Afghanistan athletes Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli have received humanitarian visas to stay in Australia, after fleeing Kabul following the Taliban takeover.
Former Socceroo and refugee advocate Craig Foster told the Nine Network on Sunday that efforts were made to grant both athletes safe asylum.
He thanked all those involved which included Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke and Independent MP Zali Steggall.
“We must stand up for all the humane treatment of all refugees, all people, especially and immediately, but not only Afghanistan.”
Foster said on Twitter.
It comes as welcome news to many advocates who worked tirelessly to help both paralympians flee the country.
Human Rights for All lawyer Alison Battisson was involved in the efforts to evacuate scores of Afghan athletes out of the war-torn country.
She told SBS news that it was the efforts of a mainly female-dominated team of lawyers and an intern which helped the Paralympian pair escape.
“I have this amazing legal intern … Eric Zhang, [who] did [Zakia’s] application,” Battisson says.
“[He] stayed with those two for days, translating and pushing for their evacuation. He risked his life to get them over the line.”
Uncertainty surrounded the team’s attendance
Many didn’t think the Afghan paralympian team would make the games due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Consequently, the team wasn’t at the opening ceremony to carry their flag, with an Olympic volunteer carrying out it on their behalf as a way of representing solidarity.
“Twelve days ago we were informed that the Afghan Paralympic Team could not travel to Tokyo, a move that broke the hearts of all involved in the Paralympic movement and left both athletes devastated,” IPC president Andrew Parsons said.
“That announcement kick-started a major global operation that led to their safe evacuation from Afghanistan, their recuperation by France, and now their safe arrival in Tokyo.”
The first female Afghan athlete since 2005
Zakia will be the first female Afghan to compete at the Olympics in 17 years, taking part in the women’s taekwondo K44-49kg category on Thursday.
The Australian Government and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne are yet to comment on the situation.
Written by Rebecca Borg
News
U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate
U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.
U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.
Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.
With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.
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Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal
Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.
Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.
The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.
Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.
While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.
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Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.
Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.
Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.
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