Rally calls for Troops out of Afghanistan
On Saturday October 10 a rally will be held to mark the 8th anniversary since the invasion of Afghanistan.
The protest is calling for Australian troops to be withdrawn immediately; for refugee status for asylum seekers fleeing the war; genuine civilian based reconstruction aid; and funding for independent women's rights groups in Afghanistan.
Rally organiser Trent Hawkins said, “Australia’s military presence has served to legitimise America’s war, and after 8 years ordinary Afghans have seen little benefit while the Taliban has only grown stronger.
“Recent polls have shown that 65% of Australians oppose sending more troops, and 51% oppose the war.
“Meanwhile the US is considering sending more troops to continuing propping up this failed war, and it’s only a matter of time before our government follows suit.”
The protest will march onto the Victoria Army Barracks, where a number of large photos showing the victims of the war will be displayed.
Trent Hawkins said, “The aim of this symbolic action is to show governments and those who still support the war, the real impact of our military presence.”
“This is not a protest against the troops, but rather we want to appeal to their conscience and convince them not to participate in this war.”
“Moreover we want to put pressure on Rudd to listen to the majority of Australians and bring all troops home.”
The rally has been endorsed by a number of Trade Unions including the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (Vic Branch), Electrical Trades Union (Vic Branch), Maritime Union of Australia (Vic Branch), National Tertiary Education Union (Vic Division), and the Victorian Trades Hall Council. It has also been endorsed by a number of peace groups, left wing organisations and women’s rights groups.
Speakers include Melbourne University Chaplan Wes Campbell, MUA State Secretary Kevin Bracken, US anti-war activist Nellie Wong, Refugee Rights advocate Pamela Curr, and a speaker from the Afghan community.
The rally starts at 12 noon at City Square, Cnr Collins and Swanston Sts, in Melbourne.
More information is available online at troopsoutofafghanistan.blogspot.com
For media comment ring Trent on 0407 070 841
On Saturday October 10 a rally will be held to mark the 8th anniversary since the invasion of Afghanistan.
The protest is calling for Australian troops to be withdrawn immediately; for refugee status for asylum seekers fleeing the war; genuine civilian based reconstruction aid; and funding for independent women's rights groups in Afghanistan.
Rally organiser Trent Hawkins said, “Australia’s military presence has served to legitimise America’s war, and after 8 years ordinary Afghans have seen little benefit while the Taliban has only grown stronger.
“Recent polls have shown that 65% of Australians oppose sending more troops, and 51% oppose the war.
“Meanwhile the US is considering sending more troops to continuing propping up this failed war, and it’s only a matter of time before our government follows suit.”
The protest will march onto the Victoria Army Barracks, where a number of large photos showing the victims of the war will be displayed.
Trent Hawkins said, “The aim of this symbolic action is to show governments and those who still support the war, the real impact of our military presence.”
“This is not a protest against the troops, but rather we want to appeal to their conscience and convince them not to participate in this war.”
“Moreover we want to put pressure on Rudd to listen to the majority of Australians and bring all troops home.”
The rally has been endorsed by a number of Trade Unions including the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (Vic Branch), Electrical Trades Union (Vic Branch), Maritime Union of Australia (Vic Branch), National Tertiary Education Union (Vic Division), and the Victorian Trades Hall Council. It has also been endorsed by a number of peace groups, left wing organisations and women’s rights groups.
Speakers include Melbourne University Chaplan Wes Campbell, MUA State Secretary Kevin Bracken, US anti-war activist Nellie Wong, Refugee Rights advocate Pamela Curr, and a speaker from the Afghan community.
The rally starts at 12 noon at City Square, Cnr Collins and Swanston Sts, in Melbourne.
More information is available online at troopsoutofafghanistan.
For media comment ring Trent on 0407 070 841
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