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How You Can Help Women And Children In Afghanistan

How You Can Help Women And Children In Afghanistan

These are the charities that need our support.

Charlie Bell

Charlie Bell

Over the past few days we have seen some devastating footage of the chaotic scenes in Afghanistan as people attempt to flee the Taliban's takeover of the country.

On Sunday, the militant group seized control of Afghanistan's capital Kabul causing the government to collapse and President Ashraf Ghani to flee abroad.

Pictures and videos have flooded social media of residents desperately clinging onto aircrafts and large crowds pushing onto packed planes as they frantically try and leave the country.

On Wednesday, the UK government pledged to take in 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan over the coming years, while "prioritising women and girls and vulnerable people first".

So what can you do to help?

Hundreds of Afghans packed onto a US military cargo plane in a desperate attempt to leave the country (
PA)

What could the Talban rule mean for women and children in Afghanistan?

The distressing scenes in Kabul and beyond have raised concerned for those left behind - especially given the Taliban's track record on women's rights.

When the Taliban were previously in power they operated a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Women were forced to wear burqas, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were not allowed out in public without a male guardian.

However, in their first press conference the group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid insisted that things would be different this time around and "there will be no discrimination against women."

"We are going to allow women to work and study. We have got frameworks, of course. Women are going to be very active in the society but within the framework of Islam," he said.

The footage mainly appears to show men at the airport, leading some to question the safety of the women and children left behind. (
PA)

Despite this, many charities and organisations have publicly voiced concerns for the safety of women and children.

"With each and every day, the flaring conflict in Afghanistan is taking a greater toll on the country's women and children," said a spokesperson for UNICEF.

"UNICEF has become increasingly concerned about the rise in grave violations, especially the recruitment of children by armed groups.

"We again urge the Taliban and all other parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and protect the lives and rights of all people, including those of women and girls."

A woman protests in London. Many charities and organisations are expressing their concern for the safety of women and children. (
PA)

Women for Refugee Women have also released a statement urging the UK government to take in refugees immediately and do more to protect women at risk.

"The government has proposed to take 5000 refugees this year, as part of a scheme to resettle 20,000 over a five year period. This is clearly inadequate given the scale of the crisis and the UK's responsibility to the citizens of Afghanistan," the Women for Refugee Women statement reads.

It continues, "Civil society organisations on the ground are already reporting violence and abuse by Taliban against women in public life, and are reporting that women are going into hiding. The UK government must work proactively with civil society organisations and individuals in Afghanistan and the region to identify women at risk and ensure they can journey to safety."


What can I do to help?

As the news rapidly unfolds in Afghanistan, many charities and organisations have launched emergency campaigns to help its people. So if you've been watching the news feeling a bit helpless, we've collated a list of charities who need your support.

  • Women For Refugee Women has started a petition urging the UK government to commit to an immediate resettlement programme for 20,000 refugees.
  • Women for Women International have launched an emergency support campaign.
  • Unicef are appealing to protect children in Afghanistan.
  • Afghan Aid are asking for donations to provide urgent assistance to men, women and children in Afghanistan.
  • Islamic Relief has worked in Afghanistan for over 20 years and have launched an emergency appeal.
  • Choose Love sells real supplies and services for refugees and they've launched an urgent fundraiser to support Afghan refugees.
Featured Image Credit: PA