In the wake of the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of people are currently displaced and struggling to make ends meet. And on 15th August of 2021, Taliban forces took control over Kabul, and with that over the country. They were met with little resistance in the capital. But Afghanistan succumbed to the Talib forces after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
This has forced thousands to be either internally or externally displaced. Meaning their homes in Afghanistan were destroyed. Or they have to flee from the country of their safety. The UN estimates that 400,000 Afghans are to leave their homes behind and flee from the country.
This blog post will discuss the challenges that all Afghan refugees face during the previous period. And provide information on which countries are currently looking to support refugees.
What happened?
The United States is the main contributor to the refugee crisis in Afghanistan. They have sent many troops to fight the war and attack terrorist group’s (Taliban) headquarters. The U.S has also spent billions of dollars on training and arming the Afghan Army.
Providing them with logistical support as well as assistance with building infrastructure and investing in their country’s economy. The U.S has also spent a great deal of money on refugee support alone. Over $30 billion since 2001 according to reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In November 2017, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani requested international support to help stabilize Afghanistan following a surge in attacks led by Taliban fighters. President Ghani has set up a plan to bring peace and security back to Afghanistan, by first increasing military presence in the war-torn country and pushing for a ceasefire with Taliban fighters. In addition, President Ghani requested an increase in the number of troops from NATO allies.
Since the exodus of refugees from Afghanistan, there have been many efforts to support them. International aid groups have mobilized to help Afghanistan in the refugee crisis. In addition, many countries around the world have also pledged millions in millions of dollars to provide relief aid for displaced Afghan citizens. In June 2016, Iran, Pakistan, and India agreed to create an “open corridor” for Afghan refugees. With 100,000 Afghans entering Pakistan every month on average, neighboring countries make a major effort to support the war-torn country.
Nearly 2 million people are facing displacement internally in Afghanistan since 2015. When fighting escalated in Helmand province and Kunduz city as well as other areas.
Where will the refugees go?
Countries like Canada, the USA, and the UK have promised to relocate the Afghan refugees in the current scenario. Canada has pledged not to stay idle in such troubling times. They are willing to take in up to 20,000 Afghan refugees. Canada has prioritized refugees, including women leaders, government workers, and others facing threats from the Taliban.
Similarly, the USA is also making arrangements to shelter hundreds of Afghans. They are looking forward to housing the 30,000 refugees in military installments, mostly in Wisconsin and Texas. Similarly, the UK is also in a full swing planning mode to accommodate the refugees. They have already taken in about 3,000 Afghans who have worked under the UK government since 2014. However, they have changed the plans from announcing to house 500 families in early August and have removed the cap on numbers.
However, Albania, Macedonia, Tajikistan, Iran, and Qatar have promised to temporarily house the Afghan refugees. But India and Uganda are still mulling over whether to open their borders or not.
Despite the support, Turkey and Pakistan have raised white flags in this matter. And the EU is keen on housing Afghan citizens, however, the official verdict on the subject has not been reached yet.
Also read: Tiananmen Square Massacre Does Not Exist in Chinese History
