Our Moral Responsibility to Our Afghan Siblings
Source: Al Jazeera
We at Hindus for Human Rights are heartbroken by the events in Afghanistan over the last few days. As the Taliban takes over and establishes control over the country, we are deeply worried for the safety and wellbeing of all Afghans, but particularly women and minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Hazaras.
We are committed to speaking up for the rights of marginalized communities and minorities across South Asia, and we are proud of the fact that our co-founder Sunita Viswanath has been working for decades for the rights of women and girls across Afghanistan. The organization that Sunita founded, Women for Afghan Women, is in serious jeopardy today. Thousands of WAW’s clients, staff members, and their families are being forced to flee their homes. Please consider making a donation to Women for Afghan Women today.
As an American organization, we believe the United States has a moral responsibility to take in as many Afghan refugees as possible. If you are based in the U.S., there are a number of ways you can take action today:
If you are an American attorney, and you would like to help Afghans with their SIV, P-2, and humanitarian parole cases, sign up here at this form organized by Afghan Diaspora for Equality & Progress.
Here is a Google doc with opportunities to help Afghans on the ground
Geography-specific opportunities:
If you live in the D.C. Metro Area, register with Lutheran Social Services - National Capital Area to learn how you can help 2,5000 Afghan refugees arriving over the next few weeks. LSSNCA is looking for donations of money and time to provide these refugee families with transportation, housing, food, furniture, and basic supplies. Learn more here.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is looking for volunteers to help with services like airport pick-ups, apartment set-ups, or bringing a meal. They’re looking for volunteers in Seattle/Tacoma, the D.C. Metro Area, Houston, and Fort Worth. You can also sign up for their General Stand-By list.
The International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles is looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of fields. Dari/Pashto language skills are especially needed.
For more up-to-date information and opportunities, we recommend following these Afghan organizations: