Joint NGO Statement: Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan

17 August 2021

The undersigned organizations express their concern about the rapidly unfolding developments occurring in Afghanistan, including the entrance of Taliban troops in the capital Kabul on 15 August in violation of their February 2020 agreement with the government of the United States of America, the exile of President Ashraf Ghani, and growing numbers of refugees as thousands attempt to flee to neighboring countries. We regret that such circumstances occurred as the authorities and concerning parties failed to ensure a smooth transition of power.

We are foremost deeply worried about the well-being of the people of Afghanistan left behind after the departure of USA, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and Resolute Support Mission (RSM) troops from the country, and especially women, children, and democracy or human rights advocates, who would be vulnerable under a Taliban régime.

Therefore, we call on all parties involved, including the Taliban, the Afghan military, the United States of America, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey and other NATO members, and the United Nations’ Security Council, to ensure the safety of civilians across the country in accordance with international humanitarian law as events continue to unfold.

We also urge the international community, including the United Nations and states neighboring Afghanistan, to do their utmost to facilitate the safe passage and provide basic necessities to those fleeing from violence. We hope for a peaceful resolution of the crisis that would take into account the will and needs of the Afghan people.

Finally, we call upon the world to stand together with the people of Afghanistan at this particular time and provide the necessary assistance, especially humanitarian aid, they need.

Signatories:

• Asia Democracy Network (ADN)
• Asia Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
• Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN)
• Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL)
• Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
• International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)
• International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID)
• Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC)
• Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)

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