Reparations in Australia for “Stolen Generation”

Australia has announced the creation of a US$280 million reparations fund for members of its indigenous population who were forcibly removed from their families, before the practice was stopped in the 1970s. The families of 800 survivors filed a class action lawsuit back in April. Under the compensation scheme, eligible survivors will receive a one-off payment of A$75,000, plus a further A$7,000 to support their psychological healing. The program is part of a new multi-million-dollar measure to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Over the course of decades, more than 100,000 Aboriginal children were removed from their families and communities and were given to white families to raise. In 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a historic apology to members of the so-called Stolen Generation.

Fires Continue to Threaten Athens

The fires raging on the outskirts of Athens have yet to be brought under control. With Greece facing its most severe heatwave in 30 years, residents of Athens are being told to stay indoors, with thick smoke covering the city. More than 500 firefighters have been dispatched to the lower slopes of Mount Parnitha on the outskirts of Athens. They’re being assisted by nine helicopters, five aircraft, police and the army. The fire started on Tuesday, 20 kms north of central Athens and quickly spread to nearby suburbs. Temperatures have been over 40 degrees in Greece since last Friday.

Kabul’s “Green Zone” Attacked

And, at least eight people have been killed and 20 others injured in a car bombing in the heavily-fortified green zone of Kabul. The district of the Afghan capital is home to government offices, embassies and NGOs. Police say the attackers were also killed but no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. It comes amid an escalation in violence by the Taliban, which is fast capturing territory in Afghanistan in the wake of the withdrawal of US troops.