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ROTARY CENTRAL MELBOURNE – MEETING REPORT 31st May 2022 President Elias welcomed 20 members and our guest speaker to this week’s face-to-face meeting. A special welcome went to Stephen Turner attending his first meeting as a member. Chair, Russell Rolls proposed a toast to Rotary International. Member Milestones Member’s Birthdays Nil Partner Birthdays NIL Wedding Anniversaries Kevin and Veronica Love 2 June 1979 - 43 years Date Joined Rotary Mary Voice 4th June 2001, 21 years Chairman Russell Rolls then introduced Dr Niamatullah Ibrahimi who spoke brilliantly on the topic: “Navigating the Human Rights and Humanitarian Crises under the Taliban in Afghanistan”. Dr Ibrahimi was born in Afghanistan and from 2002-2005 worked for the International Crisis Group followed by 5 years with the Crisis States Research Centre of the London School of Economics. He is the author of “The Hazards and the Afghanistan State: Rebellion, Exclusion and Struggle for Recognition”. He is also a Lecturer in International Relations at La Trobe University. After the West’s massive investment of military intervention and economic intervention in an attempt to establish security and a more liberal society in Afghanistan the withdrawal in August 2021 has seen life under the Taliban spiral into human rights, humanitarian and economic crises. While the world’s attention has been diverted to the Ukraine the situation in Afghanistan has seriously deteriorated. Covid, drought, and the withdrawal of the Western finance and presence have resulted in 97% of the population living in poverty and, often, near starvation. This is the worst material crisis in the world with the possible exception of Ukraine. The International community has almost no avenues open to assist the struggling population of 40 million. In addition, there is a human rights crisis. After initial optimism on the part of the West, the Taliban have slipped back into extreme policies, issuing a series of decrees pushing women out of society and attempting to “cleanse” the nation of Western influence. Open media, protests, and discussion in all forms has been strongly suppressed. Journalists have been arrested and tortured while many others have left the country. The promised amnesty has been forgotten and mass killings have occurred. The Taliban is now faced with an even more radical and violent Islamic State group, The Khorasan adding further chaos and instability. With the Taliban’s loyalties focussed entirely on national and surrounding regions, there is little influence that the international community can bring to bear in order to improve this complex, deteriorating situation. It will take a long-term approach, with human rights and long-term stability essential as the focus of international policies. Announcements - Neville John invited everyone to be part of the fundraising Taste of Africa night at Cecily’s on 11th June. Starting at 6 pm the event’s modest cost of $50 will help fund the Club’s African project. Book early through Try booking as participation is limited to 50. -This Sunday’s Bunnings Sausage Sizzle will be a special event with Frank O’Brien making his last appearance there in a major role. Well done Frank and Pauline. - Rob Hines drew his most successful raffle yet, raising $1350. The winners were David Jones, Anne King, and Russell Rolls. Thanks to everyone who took part. These proceeds will Go to the Bernie Gerlinger Foundation. - Rohan Williams reminded us that the RI Convention will be a highlight in May 2023, and that early bird discounts are currently available, but be quick. President's announcements and close Elias, in light of the Club having to forward substantial fees to Rotary International for each member registered at the end of the financial year, asked that members planning to transfer to another Club or who are considering leaving Rotary bring their situation to the attention of the President or Board by mid-June 2022, please. Elias again invites you to the RCM Changeover Dinner on Friday 1st July 2022 Next week’s meeting will again be face to face with our own Mawien Ariik speaking on our “ South Sudan Girls Sanitation and Education Project” Please book ASAP with Try Booking |
