The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has released important community advice on behalf of the Australian government regarding the situation in Syria declaring, according to the current laws, it illegal to engage in, fund, train, arm or recruit others to fight in the conflict on either side.
The advice titled “The Syrian Conflict: Australian Government Advice” also advises against travelling to Syria or bordering areas in neighbouring countries and that Australian citizens currently in Syria should depart as quickly as possible.
The advice also makes very strong warnings about the illegality of breaking the arms embargo Australia has imposed on Syria by Australian citizens and dual citizens.
Besides stating what is illegal, the document gives advice on what can be done and urges Australian citizens concerned about the conflict to “use constructive methods to voice your concerns, including through our democratic processes”. It also urges those wanting to help to “donate funds to support civilians in Syria”, but only via “United Nations agencies and non-government organisations that do not support either side in the conflict”.
This statement was released after the direct request from several clerics and community leaders across the Australian Muslim community to the Australian government requesting clarification in regards to the rights of Australian citizens in reference to monies being raised for Syria and statements/advice issued by scholars/clerics about what people can do to assist.
The information provided is not the introduction of any new laws, but simply stating where the current law stands in regards to the conflict.
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