November 14, 2015 – The Tabassum Movement in Vienna protested against the ISIS massacre in Zabul and voiced our outrage over the oppression inflicted on the Afghan people. We sincerely appreciate the humane support from the Austrian community, who welcomed us and made us feel a sense of belonging to our homeland.
February 2017 – The “Movement of Light” took place in multiple cities including Warsaw, Brussels, Munich, and Vienna, protesting the genocide of Hazaras by terrorist groups and criticizing the Afghan government’s inaction.
October 7, 2017 – Demonstrations against racism, gender discrimination, and declining social welfare. Our demands were rooted in human dignity and equal protection of all members of society by host countries.
February 18, 2018 – Protest demanding the halt of asylum seeker deportations in Europe. Human rights must be upheld above all other laws; displaced people should not be rejected or pushed away.
March 17, 2018 – Protest in Vienna against Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups.
April 27, 2018 – Candlelight ceremony honoring the victims of the 10-Mizang terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.
November 16, 2018 – Large civil demonstration against terrorist attacks in central Afghanistan, especially in Uruzgan, Jaghoori, and Malistan, aimed at drawing international attention and supporting victims and displaced people.
March 16, 2019 – Protest against racism and criticism of Austria’s coalition government immigration policies with thousands of participants in Vienna.
September 21, 2019 – Demonstration uniting all Austrian parties, organizations, and active associations against right-wing extremist ideologies promoting racism.
We also organized and participated in seminars and conferences:
October 19, 2016 – Seminar on strategies to eliminate violence in Afghanistan at VIDC Academic Center, Vienna.
March 6, 2018 – Seminar on challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Europe in cooperation with VIDC Foundation. Topics included the conditions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Europe and the bilateral relations of Afghanistan with these countries. Afghan refugees in Pakistan often suffer due to religious biases and neglect.
April 7, 2018 – Legal advice and consultation seminar for refugees in Vienna to support those whose asylum applications were rejected due to lack of information.
June 24, 2018 – Joint seminar “Peace for Afghanistan” with the World Peace Organization, including participation from embassy representatives and discussions on Afghan heritage and cultural unity.
July 29, 2018 – Commemoration of the martyrs of the Light Movement in Austria.
April 25, 2019 – Conference “Dialogue for National Cohesion to Save Afghanistan” with guest Shafi Ayyar, aiming to unite Afghan communities beyond ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences.
December 3, 2019 – Conference with VIDC Foundation for consultation on policy development and collaboration with Afghan organizations in Europe.
We also participated in symbolic events and candle ceremonies to honor victims of atrocities:
August 23, 2016 – Candlelight for the 10-Mizang martyrs
August 13, 2017 – Candlelight for human tragedy victims in Mirza Wolang, Sar-e Pol
August 19, 2018 – Candlelight for Kabul and Ghazni victims
August 22–24, 2018 – Memorial sit-in for students of Kabul and Ghazni schools
Through these social and political activities, we not only expressed our solidarity with affected communities but also raised awareness and encouraged international support. We invite all to join us in this important mission for justice, humanity, and peace for Afghans both in Afghanistan and in Austria.
