Posted by Peace Direct
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Image credit: Mohammad Rahmani via Unsplash
Yesterday, Sunday 15th August, the Taliban declared that Afghanistan is now under their control. We are continuing to monitor the situation as it develops, and our thoughts are with all the men, women and children of Afghanistan who have been affected by the current situation. We stand in solidarity with all those who will be continuing to work towards peace in the country.
Two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion, weeks of fighting across the country between insurgents and Afghan forces have culminated in the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.
All those working for peace in Afghanistan must be protected.
We are deeply concerned about the safety of women and youth peacebuilders, activists and leaders in the country at this time. Across Afghanistan, women and girls are fearful for their lives and their futures. One woman said: “In Afghanistan now we are not allowed to be known as the people we are.” Urgent measures must be taken to ensure that the rights, education and safety of women and girls are protected now and in the months and weeks to come.
Our CEO Dylan Mathews said:
“Watching the events unfold in Afghanistan over recent days has been heart-breaking. While the future remains uncertain and fearful for many in the country right now, one thing is clear: We must support Afghan civil society in whatever way we can so that they can defend human rights, protect their communities and keep hope alive. We are reaching out to our networks to see how we can help at this time of crisis, and continue to call for peace and justice .”
As an organisation committed to upholding peace around the world:
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