The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) has welcomed the recent adoption of a significant motion by the NSW State Labour Congress, which calls on the federal government to recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state without delay. This motion, moved and by NSW State MP Jihad Dib and seconded by Federal MP Anne Stanley, underscores the need for justice, human dignity, and solidarity.
The adoption of the motion saw support from a broad spectrum of representatives from Australian society, encompassing politicians, members of unions, and delegates from various cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, embraced the position and went on stating that “AFIC and the public demand the Federal Government to agree to the motion, which has come following the killing of over 50,000 individuals and 7 months of brutality.”
The recognition of a Palestinian state, is not only a fundamental human right of self determination, is now also symbolic of the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
The Australian Government, along with New Zealand and Canada, has recently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but it is clear that concrete actions are needed rather than statements. AFIC also calls on the government to take action such as trading bans, expelling the Israeli Ambassador, and most importantly, supporting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its genocide proceedings.
Dr. Rateb Jneid stated, “It is clear that the Federal Government needs to reflect the broader Australian community and take actions that firmly position a moral leadership role. The Federal Government has so far not taken any definitive action to stop the brutality against the Palestinian people.”
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