In 2021, along with the rest of the community, FASSTT member agencies were deeply concerned at the deterioration of conditions in Afghanistan as the Taliban returned to power following the withdrawal of coalition forces and the collapse of the Afghan government.
In August 2021 Australia’s response to the unfolding crises in Afghanistan was significant and rapid. Due to the large number of severely traumatised people being evacuated from Afghanistan, the Australian government provided additional funding to FASSTT member agencies through the Department of Health – PASTT – to deliver support to this group of people over the next two years.
By the end of 2021 more than 4,500 people had been evacuated from Afghanistan to Australia.
FASSTT member agencies have collaborated to provide a coordinated response to people evacuated from Afghanistan – from their stay in hotel quarantine and through to their settlement in the community. FASSTT member agencies have also worked to support the established Afghan diaspora whose fear for family left behind and historical experiences of torture and trauma has often left them in marked psychological distress. FASSTT member agencies are also working in partnership with community services, schools and health services to provide education and support across the community.
FASSTT stands in solidarity with the Afghan community at this time of crisis and is working with the community to ensure support reaches those most in need.
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) is a network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies that work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas. Most clients of FASSTT agencies have come to Australia as refugees or humanitarian entrants. FASSTT agencies also work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia as asylum seekers. There is one FASSTT member agency in each state and territory of Australia.
