Here’s How You Can Help the Afghan Refugees
by Eman Khalid
Since the takeover of the Taliban in Afghanistan in the early weeks of August, many families, and individuals have fled the country in fear of being abducted, executed, or having their basic freedom taken away from them.
What is Happening in Afghanistan?
The world is not unaware of the Taliban’s horrid actions against the Afghan community, especially against the minorities.
According to Amnesty International, Taliban fighters massacred nine ethnic Hazara men after taking control of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province last month. Agnès Callamard, journalist of Amnesty International and the eyewitness of the execution reports, “These targeted killings are proof that ethnic and religious minorities remain at particular risk under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.”
A few days ago, a former female police officer, who was pregnant at the time, was reportedly executed by the Taliban in front of her husband and children. They watched their mother being killed mercilessly in horror without being able to do anything. Those who tried resisting the Taliban’s regime faced negative consequences at the hands of the terror group.
According to BBC News, the Taliban opened fire on a recent protest conducted by the Afghan youth. These brutalities are just a small portion of the total harm inflicted by the Taliban on Afghans to date. And the ones who have been at the forefront of all these disputes are mostly women, children, and religious minorities such as Shia Hazaras.
How Many Afghan Refugees Arrived in the U.S since the Taliban Took Over the Country?
According to CNBC News, more than 23,000 Afghan refugees have arrived in the United States and are being housed across the country’s seven military bases. By August 31, approximately 31,107 Afghan refugees have entered the United States since the Taliban takeover, and the statistics are likely to increase as both Americans and Afghans arrive in the USA. Some Afghan refugees who arrived in the USA were green-card holders. Whereas others were granted a visa on a Humanitarian basis.
What Can You Do To Help the Afghan Refugees in the U.S?
1. Volunteer
One of the best things you can do to help the Afghan refugees who’ve just arrived in the USA is to volunteer at the shelters where they are staying. You can either distribute packs of warm meals or distribute bottles of clean water. Since winter will arrive soon, you can also distribute warm clothes to families who did not bring many belongings with them.
2. Stay Informed
One of the best things you can do for yourself, or your loved one, is to stay informed about the availability of legal options for those who wish to flee Afghanistan.
3. Donate, Donate, and DONATE!
Research the local non-profit organizations in your state, community, town, or city that are helping to provide necessities to the Afghan refugees through the fundings provided by the public.
Some of the necessities you can donate other than money are:
Shoes, shirts, long skirts, pants
Shampoos or Soaps
Rugs, blankets, towels, and pillows
Canned Food
Spices, salts, and sugar
Feminine Hygiene products
Grocery shopping coupons
Flour, rice, or oil
Pans, pots, plates, and spoons
Baby wipes, baby diapers, or baby formulas
Undergarments, or socks
Products of femininity
A few of the many organizations working towards helping the Afghan refugees where you can donate or volunteer are: