What can we do next?:
Unity amidst adversity
Many have fallen victim to this sudden situation filled with chaos and neglect; the Afghans who have been victims of recurring violence in their history, and of persons from different nationalities residing in the country that may not be inherently related to the situation but are caught in between growing fires.
The people’s response toward these harsh events is an indicator of how cohesive, and internationally engaged many are in reality of social issues that may be directly or indirectly related to them or are affecting them; more importantly that we are currently in a pandemic. [Afghan] Women’s rights, our Filipino OFWs, as well as Afghan and non-Afghan refugees possibly exposed to great danger from being left behind.
Religious contradictions, governmental irresponsibility, and a lack of diplomacy are now at the center of these state leaders; with leaders like Afghanistan’s former president that has fled the country, insensitively leaving their citizens to swallow on their fate; and on some leaders like Biden who are firm on deciding to withdraw from their promised word with another party to maintain their country’s economy and self-sufficiency even if it meant at the expense of another nation’s well-being. Although this is the case, it must be one of our goals to ensure that Human Rights is respected at all costs.
The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye over what is happening in Afghanistan just because it’s no longer a “hot topic.” There are lives at risk. With the world leaders, we must take a stand to help protect the rights of those in Afghanistan. Here are some of the things that can be done to help.
Donate to organizations that support humanitarian aid
Organizations have been working to protect those in danger, and provide them with medical assistance, food, and shelter.
● UNHCR
● The United Nations Refugee agency (UNHCR)
● Visions for Children
● Doctors Without Borders
● Women for Afghan Women
● International Committee of the Red Cross
● UN Human Rights Committee
Support women’s media and female reporters
Prominent women figures are now targets of persecution and violence in Afghanistan. Women have been facing threats not only for working, but for working in the media which is targeted by the Taliban. Prominent women figures, from activists to judges, are now at risk of persecution and violence in Afghanistan.
Reach out to those in power
Being persistent in persuading politicians and lawmakers to open safe, legal pathways of migration might help ensure the safety of Afghan refugees.
Amplify voices through social media
Hashtags you can follow: #Afghanistan #HelpAfghanistan #AfghanLivesMatter
Accounts you can follow: omar.haidari, theafghan, middleeastmatters.
Keep learning about the crisis
Educate yourself and remain informed on how the situation unfolds but remember to consume information from trusted sources and always fact-check.
References:
Al Jazeera. (2021, August 24). The latest on Afghanistan evacuation efforts. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/24/latest-afghanistan-evacuation-efforts
Barry, E. (2021, August 17). How You Can Help People in Afghanistan. Time. https://time.com/6090921/how-to-help-afghanistan-people/
Del Callar, M. (2021, August 16). Philippines orders mandatory evacuation of Filipinos in Afghanistan. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/news/799462/philippines-orders-mandatory-evacuation-of-filipinos-in-afghanistan/story/
Mlaba, K. (n.d.). 5 Ways You Can Support Those in Need in Afghanistan. Retrieved September 4, 2021, from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ways-you-can-support-those-in-need-in-afghanistan/