How can you help Afghanistan?
- Ananya
- Aug 23, 2021
- 3 min read
In such times of adversity, turmoil, and violence, it seems as though the world has come to a standstill mentally but not physically. These past few days, I (and I’m sure many of you too) have been feeling helpless, with recurring thoughts and the graphic clips of Afghani chaos replaying in my head. We all are listening to the news, about the Taliban initiatives, conquers, and oppressive ideologies; although the physical distance may prevent and hinder any direct interventions, it is important for all of us to take as much action as we can, even if it is from the comfort of our own homes.
This action can be anything from informing yourself further and educating those around you, contributing to financial relief funds of trustworthy organisations, sharing social media posts to improve the dissemination of information, push your government to accept and open their gates for the refugees as well as provide aid. Do what you must, write letters, create petitions for large organizations, corporates, governments, etc. to open their doors for refugees and take further action (like providing aid or working together to negotiate new, peaceful terms), connect with those ‘big names’ around you, advocate for action, use your social media as a tool for disseminating information and donation forums, etc.; use this as an opportunity for growth and change.
Following are some resources that you can use to educate yourself further or those around you about what’s happening:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49192495 - Taliban are back - what next for Afghanistan?
https://apnews.com/article/taliban-takeover-afghanistan-what-to-know-1a74c9cd866866f196c478aba21b60b6 - Taliban take over Afghanistan: What we know and what’s next
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/afghanistan-taliban-takeover-capture-us-ghani-afghan-people-1841620-2021-08-16 - Taliban take control of Afghanistan: How it happened and what's next for the Afghan people
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/23/what-happened-afghanistan-how-country-fell-taliban/8235608002/ - What happened in Afghanistan: What we know about evacuations after Taliban takeover
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-08-16-explainer-whats-happening-in-afghanistan/ - Explainer: What’s happening in Afghanistan
However, we need to do more than just learn about what’s happening in Afghanistan and its consequences; we must help those in dire need as much as we can, and one of the ways that we can do this is by aiding in financial relief by contributing as much as we can to trustworthy organisations dedicated to assisting people in this time of crisis. Next, I’ve linked some places where you can do your part financially. - As I find more links and resources that may be of use to you, I will continue adding them to the post as well as share them on our social media account :)
https://womenforafghanwomen.networkforgood.com/projects/123748-20-years-of-afghan-women-strong - Women for Afghan Women – “safe shelter, resources, and aid to the thousands of women, children, families, and staff”
https://www.childfoundation.org/page/afghanistan-crisis-fund-for-emergency-assistance – The Child Foundation – raising money to feed Afghani families in this time of crisis
https://support.womenforwomen.org/donate/afghanistan-emergency-2x-match?src=HHUA21082A – Women for Women – “It is a moment of grim uncertainty for Afghan women. Violence is rising and women are caught in the crossfire. Make an emergency gift today to provide a lifeline for women in Afghanistan during their time of need”
https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/88247/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=SM~ZZZZ~SMTWA2208 – International Medical Corps – “help train healthcare workers in emergency preparedness and provide primary healthcare services and training to marginalized and underserved communities across Afghanistan, helping them to stay healthy in the most difficult environments.”
https://help.rescue.org/donate/afghanistan - International Rescue Committee – “The IRC has worked in Afghanistan through three decades of crisis, providing millions of people with shelter, education, clean water, health support and other aid, and we will stay as long as we are needed. Donate now to help us support children and families in Afghanistan and in crisis zones worldwide”
Links for donating to a few of the organisations that are helping those trying to leave/migrate:
The resources that I have provided here have all been verified, and there are multiple others on the internet that can help you to understand the situation further and recognise your role in helping Afghanistan. In this eternally digitalizing and globalizing world, it is virtually impossible to be helpless when it comes to helping and aiding people (even if it is from a distance); you just have to be creative with your solutions. Today, we see history and humanitarian crises unfold before us, and as global citizens, it is our duty to take our own well-informed stance and help those around us.
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