Take Action for Afghanistan

See below for steps you can take!

In the wake of the Taliban’s near total takeover of  Afghanistan, a human crisis continues to escalate. There is large scale displacement, even if the numbers are still unknown. Many Afghan people are struggling to find refuge around the world. A weak, corrupt government propped up by massive U.S. and NATO military might left behind two decades of unaddressed conflict. The destructive fate of imperialism has left Afghans without a safe place to call home.   

The horrific period of the last 20 years of U.S./NATO military presence yielded immeasurable costs in lives and dollar amounts: according to Brown University’s Cost of War Project, over 238,000 people have been killed while the US has spent over 2 trillion dollars over the past two decades. The people of what is now Afghanistan have faced waves of aggression for centuries.

We must continue expanding our imagination beyond militarized solutions to dealing with conflict and protecting civilians. This is why we need to continue to increase the global presence of Nonviolent Peaceforce and the greater field of unarmed civilian protection: we need the ability to respond to crises. Your continued faith and support will help us get there. For the specifics of a nonviolent approach see Eli McCarthy’s article, "What a Truly Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan Would Look Like."

NP advocates for the protection of civilians made vulnerable by the Taliban takeover

What does this look like?

1. Support nonviolent protective approaches for those staying in Afghanistan.
   a. Development of unarmed protection approaches to keep women and children safe should be a priority.
   b. Unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian aid (basic necessities like food, water, and sanitation) and protection for humanitarian workers.
   c. Provide safe, secure, online training and support for grassroots, community leaders on Unarmed Civilian Protection.
2. Support protection of civilians who are fleeing Afghanistan and as they secure prompt and dignified resettlement.
   a. Support neighboring governments in their assistance to Afghans fleeing to access protection and asylum.
   b. Support the UN in providing safe passage and evacuations from countries neighboring Afghanistan/ transit countries to desitnation resettlement countries. 
   c.

Specifically, the U.S. Governent should:

1. Ensure protection of Civilian needs for the refugee community and stressors between host community, including: sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, unnacompanied minors and separated children, communication with communities and community governance, and relationships with host community
2. U.S. foreign policy should shift from military force/threat of force to a grounding in nonviolent cooperation.

Want to help advocate?

Immediately contact President Biden and urge 

• An increase in the U.S. refugee number to account for Afghan refugees in the fiscal year 2022.
• Expedited evacuation from secondary countries.

Then, contact your Senators them know you want protection for Afghan civilians and confirm they have signed this Bipartisan Letter Urging Biden Admin to Protect Afghan Women Leaders in Wake of Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan. 

Originally published: August 26, 2021
Updated: September 3, 2021