TripZillaWe are all aware of what has happened in Afghanistan by now. The Taliban has taken over the country and Afghans are desperately fleeing for survival. Harrowing images have been circulating the Internet. A video of the madness in the Kabul airport where Afghans climb on top of each other and the viral photo of everyone cramped together in the US transport will make it hard for you to look away. Whether they remained or managed to leave Afghanistan, Afghans now have to grapple with a most uncertain future.
But we can do our part in alleviating their struggles even with simple gestures of support. We’ve listed down various organisations that can send your donations to different sectors such as Afghan refugees, Afghan women, and journalists in Afghanistan. If you have anything to spare, a little can go a long way. Here’s how you can help Afghan refugees and their families.
Also read: Why Volunteer Abroad?
Women for Women International
Image credit: 12019
Women for Women International is a nonprofit organisation that is mobilising an emergency fundraiser for Afghans who are victims of Taliban violence and caught in the crossfires. According to their official website, “A generous member of our community is willing to match up to $500,000 in donations to our Afghanistan program, dollar for dollar. All gifts above that amount will be directed where needed most in Afghanistan and in all the countries where we work.”
Visit their website to make a donation.
International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
Image credit: WikiImages
IRAP is a nonprofit organisation that not only accepts online donations but also enforces the human rights of refugees and displaced persons by mobilising direct legal aid from law students and lawyers. They accept all major credit cards, checks, and wire transfers.
Visit their website to make a donation.
Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC)
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Both Afghan and foreign journalists alike now risk their lives under Taliban rule. As bearers of truth and information, they deserve to be protected and supported. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee has been keeping media workers in Afghanistan safe for many years but this time, the situation is more severe.
According to the AJSC director, “Many hundreds of Afghan journalists are in dire need of protection. We are working around the clock to protect as many as we can. All the support we can get is highly appreciated.” Your support will be directed to journalists’ shelters and safehouses, food and clothes, and any support to keep media outlets in the country operating. All of the proceeds will go to these causes.
Visit their website to make a donation.
Women for Afghan Women (WAW)
Image credit: ArmyAmber
WAW is the largest women’s group in Afghanistan which works with strategic partners and local stakeholders to transform violence and oppression into peace and equality. It is heartbreaking that WAW’s staff and employees have now also become victims of terrorism. Now, we have to help them survive and give them resources to keep more Afghans safe from crossfires and abuse.
Their message in their website reads as follows: “Over the past few weeks, we have been working relentlessly, 24/7, to keep our clients, staff, and families alive and safe. We are evacuating centers, pausing operations, and continually assessing risks. We are working day and night to provide safe shelter, resources, and aid to keep the thousands of women, children, families, and the staff who are under our care. We — clients, staff, and the people of Afghanistan — ask not only for your prayers in these desperate times but for your immediate support to get us through this crisis. Help us keep our people safe.”
Visit their website to make a donation.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
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IRC is another nonprofit organisation that responds to the world’s humanitarian crises and helps people, whose livelihoods were shattered, to recover. Dedicated teams are sent out to provide shelter, education, health care, and empowerment to support refugees and displaced people. The IRC has called on world leaders and civilians to do everything in their power to aid Afghans in their greatest hour of need.
“The world cannot afford to turn its back on Afghanistan and Afghan lives that are at risk,” they stated on their website. They also enumerated all the essentials Afghan refugees need, such as protection from violence (especially for women and girls), food and shelter, cash assistance, and safe passage to countries that will take Afghan refugees in. They dive into more information and solutions on their website.
Visit their website to make a donation.
Refugees International
Image credit: Sohaib Ghyasi
Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance, human rights, and protection for displaced people. They strictly do not accept any government and UN funding to ensure the independence and credibility of their mission, so private donations are most welcome. They are currently publishing updated articles about the situation in Afghanistan on their website should you need more information about initiatives and calls to action.
Visit their website to make a donation.
Also read: 6 Fun Ways to Volunteer While You Travel
If you’re interested in donating to more humanitarian groups, CNN Impact Your World has also listed vetted organisations accepting donations for Afghan refugees. There may be many more avenues in your local communities that are mobilising help for Afghan refugees as we speak.
Please keep your eyes and hearts open to help the displaced people of Afghanistan as they go through these troubling times. If you can’t donate, spread the word on how more people can help Afghan refugees!
Featured image credit: ArmyAmber | Pixabay
