This morning, more devastating scenes and stories are being shared online from Afghanistan as residents desperately attempt to flee the country. On Sunday, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, causing the government to collapse and President Ashraf Ghani to flee abroad.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, hundreds of thousands of civilians are now at risk, with women and children making up nearly half of all civilian casualties across the country. They, among other charities, have promised to support communities in Afghanistan with medical assistance and where possible, evacuation.
‘The ICRC and its partner the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) are doing as much as they can to evacuate the wounded and transport the mortal remains of those killed as a result of the conflict,’ their website reads. ‘In July alone, the ICRC helped nearly 13,000 patients suffering from weapon-related injuries across the country, and this number appears likely to rise this month as fighting increases in highly populated areas.’
There are thought to be at least 4,000 British citizens in Afghanistan currently, with 600 British troops sent to the country to help evacuate UK nationals, plus Afghan interpreters and other staff who worked for the UK as part of Operation Pitting. The UK government will meet on Wednesday to debate the situation in Afghanistan, recalling their summer recess early.
Commercial flights from Kabul airport have been suspended, with videos shared online showing Afghan nationals attempting to cling to US military aircrafts as they attempt to take-off.
The harrowing footage mostly appears to show men at the airport, leading some to question how many women and children are being left behind. It’s why a number of charities have promised to support women and children in Afghanistan, including the Red Cross as above.
Now, as many watch hopelessly as stories continue to appear online about the fight to leave the country, people are hoping to donate and volunteer for said charities in order to do what they can to help.
Political activist Sophie Walker has also started a petition asking the UK government to lay out an asylum plan for Afghan women that are most in danger - for example, politicians, lawyers, activists, NGO workers and journalists - and to work with international partners to create safe conditions in the region itself. You can sign the petition here.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of charities you can also support that endeavour to help Afghan civilians. It might feel like a drop in the water compared to what the British government should be doing – and you can also write to your MP to demand action – but it’s also all some of us can hope to do in the face of such devastating chaos.
How to help women and children in Afghanistan:
SEE: How To Support Civilians In Afghanistan
1 of 7International Committee of the Red Cross
The ICRC and its partner the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) are evacuating the wounded, transporting those killed back to their families and helping patients suffering from weapon-related injuries.
2 of 7The UN Refugee Agency
The UNHCR is providing food, shelter, hygiene and sanitary kits and other lifesaving assistance, together with partners.
3 of 7Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is on the ground in Afghanistan working to get clean water and sanitation supplies to those families who recently fled to Kabul, and has pledged to stay as long as it can, safely.
4 of 7Rukshana Media
Rukhshana Media —named after the woman who was stoned to death by the Taliban in 2015 — produces news from the perspective of women, in a country where where their views are almost always excluded. The organisation has stated that with escalation of the Taliban's control , the survival of Rukhshana Media depends on external help.
5 of 7Choose Love
With so many attempting to flee Afghanistan, the refugee crisis is only escalating. Choose Love sells real supplies and services you can buy for refugees, including lifesaving search and rescue boats to food and legal advice.
6 of 7Women for Refugee Women
Another long-term charity option, this organisation helps empower female refugees to become leaders and advocates for change. Through English lessons, drama and other activities, they support women to build their confidence and skills, while combating the isolation faced by women seeking asylum and creating pathways for women to rebuild their lives with dignity.
7 of 7The Linda Norgrove Foundation
A long-term charitable option, the Linda Norgrove Foundation supports women and children in Afghanistan with emphasis on projects providing education and income, promoting long-lasting change, using grants to fund education, health and childcare for women and children affected by the war.
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