Afghanistan: what you can do to help

Tens of thousands of Afghan citizens have tried to flee the country and the Government has announced that around 20,000 people will be admitted to the UK from Afghanistan over the next few years. Priority will be given to those “most at risk of human rights abuses and dehumanising treatment by the Taliban.”

This is thought to apply specifically to women and girls, religious and other minorities, and Afghans who worked with the British and Americans forces in roles such as translators, as well as soldiers from the previous Afghan government’s army.

It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of distressing news from far away. There are things that you can do though from the UK to help the people of Afghanistan, such as donate to charities working in the field.

Donate money

There are still charities working on the ground in Afghanistan, despite all the unrest and military action recently. Emergency relief charities are asking for donations, with the International Rescue Committee trying to raise $10 million to keep delivering aid.

The British Red Cross is also raising funds to support their work: “We are committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and have been working on the ground for 30 years. We will not stop now. In a spirit of neutrality, independence and impartiality, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement work with all communities and in all regions to help reach and assist those most vulnerable.” Money donated will provide Afghans with basic medical supplies and medicines as well as food, shelter and water.

Afghanaid provides kitchen kits that allow people who have left their homes to cook and safely store food, plus solar-powered lamps, stoves and gas cylinders. “We are working hard to ensure the safety of our staff and where possible have reopened a number of our offices to continue our work in supporting remote rural communities. We are delivering emergency support to families whose lives have been destroyed or uprooted by the conflict”

There are particular concerns about women and girls in the country. Charity Women for Women International is “confident” that community and religious leaders will allow it to continue operating. “We are committed to finding practical, safe, solutions so that we can continue to operate and make a positive difference for the people of Afghanistan who have already suffered far too much and who deserve peace and prosperity”

Donate essential items, clean clothes and more with the Volunteer Centre Sutton.