Tens of thousands of civilians in Afghanistan have now fled their homes after Taliban fighters seized control of major towns across the country, culminating in the occupation of the capital, Kabul, on 15th August. The actions come just weeks after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan for the first time in 20 years.
Over the last 48 hours, desperate scenes from Kabul airport show scores of people trying to leave the country, which the BBC reports has led to the deaths of five people, including three who tried to hang on to the underside of an aircraft. President Ashraf Ghani has also fled, with the Taliban reportedly taking full control of the country’s security and traffic.
In response, the UK has deployed 900 troops to help evacuate British nationals from Afghanistan, according to the BBC. Since then, pressure has been building on the government to offer asylum for those fleeing the country. Boris Johnson is calling for a global response, with Downing Street confirming that a new settlement scheme is being set out to help those who need it most, including women and girls.
With those in Kabul and the surrounding areas now left without homes, food, water or vital supplies, Afghanistan needs help more than ever before. Here are a few ways to directly make an impact.
@WAWHumanRights has been working 24/7 over the past few weeks to keep our clients, staff, and families alive and safe. We not only ask for your prayers but also your support to get us through this crisis.
Help us keep our people safe.
Donate here: https://t.co/QWE4KzU6re pic.twitter.com/DzROL8UFWh
— WomenforAfghanWomen (@WAWHumanRights) August 16, 2021
In recent weeks, WAW has been organising refuge, resources and aid for both families and staff who are being forced to leave their homes in Afghanistan. As an organisation, they provide education and protection to Afghani women and children across multiple countries. WAW’s current focus is to provide help for displaced mothers and children, with a recent statement saying: “We are committed to continue defending the women, children, families, and staff who rely on us.”
As children and their families flee their homes, our teams are in Afghanistan, delivering life-saving assistance. UNICEF calls for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and immediately stop all violence against children.
Donate to help – https://t.co/qbytYlNNUj pic.twitter.com/17X5Gn0ckt
— UNICEF UK (@UNICEF_uk) August 15, 2021
While Unicef operates as a global charity, the organisation is currently escalating efforts in Afghanistan as the conflict worsens. With children in urgent need of food and medical supplies, Unicef is working to provide essential items to families. According to the Unicef website, all donations will be spent on emergency water and hygiene kits for vulnerable children.
We are committed to supporting the people of #Afghanistan.
The humanitarian needs are huge from weeks of heavy fighting.
Thousands were injured, while hospitals were damaged or destroyed.
We will not reduce our presence. We have worked here for 30 years. We will not stop now. pic.twitter.com/tWMYnfxN53
— ICRC Afghanistan (@ICRC_af) August 16, 2021
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Currently, the ICRC has a team of 1,800 international and national staff providing assistance to those in Afghanistan. The organisation is partnering with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to evacuate injured people and transport the bodies of those who have lost their lives in the conflict. According to the ICRC’s website: “Since 1 August, 4,042 patients wounded by weapons have been treated at 15 ICRC-supported health facilities, an indication of the intensity of the recent violence.”
Intensifying conflict, a third wave of #Covid19 and drought across #Afghanistan have caused many Afghan families to flea their homes.
Find out how with @UNOCHA we’re providing essential household items and vital rental assistance: https://t.co/59OWueDE6S pic.twitter.com/2FQJaKLxJ2
— Afghanaid (@Afghanaid) August 13, 2021
Afghanaid is calling for support for families who have been affected by the conflict. According to the website, the organisation is working to reopen offices in order to support rural communities, alongside offering wider support to families throughout the country. Donations are currently being spent on providing financial support, kitchen kits, hygiene kits, essential housing items and emergency food parcels.
Primarily working to establish small, craft-based businesses across the Middle East, Turquoise Mountain is currently fundraising to help those caught in the conflict locally in Afghanistan. According to the organisation, they are using their established community networks to distribute financial aid to those in need, including thousands of students, families, staff and artisans.
And, of course, use your voice
While donations are essential, it’s also important to register your demand for an action plan for Afghan refugees in Britain. There are a number of petitions you can sign, including this Change.org motion asking the UK government to accelerate an asylum plan for Afghan women and girls. Similarly, this petition from ChooseLove helps to inform your local MP of your desire to welcome refugees and create a safe space for those fleeing Afghanistan.
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Let’s End Violence Against ALL Women & Girls