The Albanese government is being urged to expand humanitarian protections and pathways for Afghan refugees to resettle in Australia, as a delegation travels to Canberra to mark the five-year anniversary of the return of the Taliban. The internationally-recognised government in Kabul fell on August 15, 2021, as US forces, embedded in the country for 20 years, scrambled to withdraw.Almost half a decade on, Amnesty International is urging the Australian government support international attempts to investigate and prosecute the Taliban government, who have severely cracked down on freedom of speech and women’s rights, for serious human rights violations.The government is also being urged to ensure the safety of Afghans by expanding humanitarian protection and refugee pathways for refugees at greatest risk – namely women, girls, human rights defenders, and persecuted ethnic and religious minorities.Afghan women’s rights advocate Farkhondeh, who will travel to Canberra for the first sitting day of the Spring session on Tuesday, said the Taliban had consolidated a system of “gender apartheid” in Afghanistan. “But gender apartheid is not sustained by Taliban decrees alone; it is reinforced through social practices, humanitarian responses, diplomatic choices and the wider international system,” she said. “The question for the international community, including Australia, is: what have we actually done over these five years, and how long can this be allowed to continue?”Amnesty International Australia international strategic campaigners Zaki Haidari said women and girls in Afghanistan could not wait any longer.“The state of human rights in Afghanistan is a complete and utter abomination,” he said.“Afghanistan today is a country where basic freedoms have been dismantled, and millions of people are living in fear. “Afghanistan’s women and girls have shown extraordinary courage by continuing to resist despite immense personal risk. They should not be left to fight alone.”Mr Hairdari said the government needed to “exert immediate diplomatic pressure” on the Taliban to demand the restoration of the rule of law.Australia does not recognise the Taliban’s de facto control over Afghanistan, with its diplomatic mission still nominally aligned to the former government. In January, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the government would provide an $50m in humanitarian support to the people.In total, the government has provided more than $310m since the fall of Kabul in 2021. “The situation in Afghanistan is dire,” Senator Wong said at the time.“The Australian government remains firmly committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls.“Australia’s humanitarian support will help save lives, alleviate suffering, and meet the basic needs of communities affected by the ongoing Afghanistan crisis.”