Statement Regarding the Unfolding Situation in Afghanistan

As young European socialists, we are deeply concerned at the scenes of desperation and fear which have been unfolding in Afghanistan. We have witnessed distressing images of civilians attempting to flee from across Afghanistan, not least from Kabul, as the Taliban reclaimed power in the country. The situation is still unfolding, but it is evident that there are civilians who are deeply afraid of the return of Taliban rule, and who are seeking to leave the country to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. We cannot watch these scenes or read the words of those desperate to flee the country, and not act; our governments and international organisations cannot witness this situation and remain silent.

It is evident that in 20 years, the situation in Afghanistan has never been so critical. Following the military demobilization in the country in accordance with the terms of an agreement signed in Doha with the United States on condition of no longer harboring terrorist groups, the Taliban regained power by force. That the demilitarisation of Afghanistan was necessary is not contested - the Western presence in Afghanistan and the invasion of the country were on tenuous, disputed grounds and the development of democracy, the rule of law, and stability of the country and its people were not the primary objectives of an exercise of imperialism. In addition to being a failure of American imperialism aiming at “developing and maintaining” democracy, the return of the Taliban heralds a violent backtracking for the Afghans and more particularly the Afghan women. Advancement in the rule of law, human rights, and equality had occurred in the last 20 years, most particularly for women and girls. The Taliban’s return to power represents the erosion of such advancement, with worrying implications, not least for women and girls. Afghan women who have campaigned for their rights and for the participation of women in public and political life for the past 20 years now find themselves in a situation of great danger, receiving death threats from the Taliban. We are troubled by reports of the Taliban visiting homes in Kabul and seeking to make records of the professions of citizens, particularly the women residents.

It is crucial to note the perpetration of targeted violence, primarily directed at women professionals in Afghanistan in recent years. Over past years there was a continued wave of targeted killings against professionals, including government employees, journalists and reporters across Afghanistan, with the majority of intended targets of intimidation, violence, and assassination being women professionals. These killings were seemingly the responsibility of the operational wing of ISIS in the state, conducted with the intent to instigate fear in the country, to undermine the incumbent government, and sabotage the then ongoing peace negotiations underway between the Taliban and the government. That these assassinations occurred is a travesty and a grim indication of the inattentiveness of international governments to the safeguarding of women including in the future. The continuous violence committed against women in Afghanistan during a period of peace negotiations should have raised serious concerns as to the future of women’s rights and equality.

We are further deeply concerned for the LGBTQI citizens of Afghanistan, and the worrying ramifications for their rights, equality, and their very safety raised by the Taliban’s return to power. We note how LGBTQI persons, as is often the case in times of instability and conflict, are especially vulnerable, LGBTQI persons in Afghanistan face an alarming threat of violence under the Taliban: not least due to the specific interpretation of Sharia law adopted during the former Taliban regime, but also arising from public statements issued by Taliban representatives as to the sentencing gay men to execution (see the comments of a Taliban judge covered by Bild, 13 July 2021). The particular threat faced by LGBTQI persons in Afghanistan because of their sexual orientation or gender identity must be recognised in both evacuations organised by our countries and in the taking in of refugees and asylum seekers. We recognise too the threats of violence faced by LGBTQI advocates and human rights defenders.

We recognise with concern that Afghanistan now faces severe instability and financial hardship at a time when it is already experiencing drought and poverty. There are deep concerns as to the prospect of a humanitarian crisis. It is therefore of utmost importance that governments around the world respond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Afghans who seek asylum.

It is crucial to note the perpetration of targeted violence, primarily directed at women professionals in Afghanistan in recent years. Over past years there was a continued wave of targeted killings against professionals, including government employees, journalists and reporters across Afghanistan, with the majority of intended targets of intimidation, violence, and assassination being women professionals. These killings were seemingly the responsibility of the operational wing of ISIS in the state, conducted with the intent to instigate fear in the country, to undermine the incumbent government, and sabotage the then ongoing peace negotiations underway between the Taliban and the government. That these assassinations occurred is a travesty and a grim indication of the inattentiveness of international governments to the safeguarding of women including in the future. The continuous violence committed against women in Afghanistan during a period of peace negotiations should have raised serious concerns as to the future of women’s rights and equality.

We are further deeply concerned for the LGBTQI citizens of Afghanistan, and the worrying ramifications for their rights, equality, and their very safety raised by the Taliban’s return to power. We note how LGBTQI persons, as is often the case in times of instability and conflict, are especially vulnerable, LGBTQI persons in Afghanistan face an alarming threat of violence under the Taliban: not least due to the specific interpretation of Sharia law adopted during the former Taliban regime, but also arising from public statements issued by Taliban representatives as to the sentencing gay men to execution (see the comments of a Taliban judge covered by Bild, 13 July 2021). The particular threat faced by LGBTQI persons in Afghanistan because of their sexual orientation or gender identity must be recognised in both evacuations organised by our countries and in the taking in of refugees and asylum seekers. We recognise too the threats of violence faced by LGBTQI advocates and human rights defenders.

We recognise with concern that Afghanistan now faces severe instability and financial hardship at a time when it is already experiencing drought and poverty. There are deep concerns as to the prospect of a humanitarian crisis. It is therefore of utmost importance that governments around the world respond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Afghans who seek asylum.

It is imperative that international actors such as the EU and the UN come to the aid of the Afghan people given their share of responsibility for the critical development of the situation. At the least, international actors must commit to humanitarian aid, peacekeeping mechanisms, and facilitating the resettlement of asylum seekers and refugees.

As young European socialists, we call on the EU to act in order to come to the aid of the Afghans, starting by prohibiting all expulsion of Afghans from Europe including rescinding any deportation orders of Afghan nationals. We call on the EU to combat the xenophobic and racist discourse adopted in member states who are against offering sanctuary to Afghans and their families. It is crucial Europe does not repeat its cruel mistakes of past crises and become a fortress to those fleeing violence and seeking a new home and a safe future for their families.  

Co-signed on 19 August 2021 by:

Mouvement des Jeunes Socialistes

SDLP Youth

Jongsocialisten

Labour Youth