Afghan Crisis: How You Can Help (& Who’s Doing What)

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed events that will go down in history – for reasons good and bad. The swelling Afghan crisis is just one of the struggles we’ve had to face as a global community, and one that we should continue to show our support for where possible. These are some of the ways you can help, the charities you can support and campaigns you can get involved with.

Afghan Crisis: How You Can Help (& Who’s Doing What?)

Earlier this year, coalition forces in Afghanistan withdrew, enabling the Taliban to rapidly advance and take control of the country. It is estimated that over 116,000 civilians have been killed or injured in Afghanistan since 2009, with 18.4 million now in need of humanitarian support.

An estimated 3.5 million Afghans are displaced within the country, with many now living in large cities like Kabul. Those who have been displaced internationally – an estimated 2.5 million – have largely opted for Iran and Pakistan, but thousands still travel far away from their home country to European countries like the UK.

The UK Home Office has announced a resettlement scheme for Afghans, which pledges to resettle around 5,000 Afghan nationals at risk in 2021 – and up to 20,000 in the longer term. And in September, the UK government announced £30 million in aid to Afghanistan’s neighbours to support regional stability and help them respond to the arrival of refugees.

(c) Getty Images

What We Can Do

When faced with continual bad news, it can seem difficult to focus on how to make the situation better. As a global community, it’s important that we reach out where we can to help those in need, wherever they may be. Whether it’s by making a donation, volunteering directly with charities and displaced communities, setting up fundraisers or just spreading the word, every little act of kindness helps.

Many charities and organisations have stepped up to the plate when it comes to providing aid for those still in Afghanistan and those now displaced as a result of the ongoing violence. You can support their work today through multiple means:

Turquoise Mountain has been working in Afghanistan for over 15 years, growing to a community of 200 dedicated staff, over 4,000 talented artisans, hundreds of students and thousands of families who all work together to create a better future. The charity has now set up a specific emergency appeal for Afghanistan, which will provide food, supplies and healthcare services for children and families in the country. turquoisemountain.org

Emergency Aid for Victims of the Taliban Attacks is a fundraiser that supports the Baba Mazari Foundation (BMF), who in turn has partnered with World Hazara Council, Hazara international and the Hazara Committee to provide emergency aid to the victims of the Taliban crisis in different parts of Afghanistan. gofundme.com

Sanitary Products for Displaced Afghan Women is a fundraiser organised by the Educate a Child for Change Organisation (ECCO). It helps women and girls on the streets of Kabul gain access to menstrual products. gofundme.com

Women for Afghan Women‘s main ethos has been to protect and promote the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls but has recently stepped up to help evacuate and provide urgent care for those fleeing the country. Advocating for women’s rights and independency, the charity challenges gender-based norms and calls out against violence. womenforafghanwomen.org

International Rescue Committee started providing aid in Afghanistan as early as 1988, providing vital support to Afghans who have endured four decades of violent conflict, natural disasters and more recently the spread of COVID-19. rescue-uk.org

(c) Getty Images

Choose Love is one of the most well-known organisations for refugee aid in the world. The charity sends 89 per cent of its donations to frontline organisations and NGOs working with refugees (mostly in Northern France, Greece and Serbia), providing aid and supplies to those living in vulnerable conditions on European borders. You can also become a volunteer for Choose Love, or donate valuable items such as tents, sleeping bags, boxer shorts and women’s underwear. chooselove.org

Refugee Action helps refugees and migrants in the UK currently undergoing the asylum process. Their work spans integrating new arrivals into their community, supporting them as they access house support and fighting against hate speech and violence aimed towards migrants and refugees. The charity also encourages fundraisers such as Race for Refugees, which allows those taking part to set up a one-off or weekly running event for donations. refugee-action.org.uk

Refugee Council supports displaced people through the asylum application system, which is often a very slow and arduous process. The charity also works with landlords and volunteers across the UK to offer living spaces to stay in until asylum is guaranteed. Donations and volunteers are welcome, and you can sign up to see if you’re eligible to host families or single adults. refugeecouncil.org.uk

Shows & Events Raising Money for Afghan Charities