The world has watched in horror as recent events have unfolded in Afghanistan which has caused immense uncertainty for its people.
Throughout 2021 civilians bore the brunt of the conflict and over 3 million Afghans are internally displaced, with an additional 550,000 people internally displaced this year alone.
Welcoming Afghan refugees has never been more urgent.
As the UK government agreed to resettle 20,000 Afghans refugees over the next few years, Brits from across the country are doing what they can to welcome refugees. From messages of support to offering their homes and donating what they can, it’s times of crisis that humanity shines through.
Here are four ways the British public are welcoming refugees from Afghanistan.
People are donating items to Afghan refugees and charities:
People across the UK have been quick to welcome refugees by donating essential items and clothes for newly arrived Afghan families. Care4Calais, a Manchester based charity, has been inundated with donations. Their volunteers are working hard to sort items ready for new arrivals.
We are still taking donations of clothing, toiletries and other necessities.
— Care4Calais (@Care4Calais) August 23, 2021
Our handy drop-off map will help you find your local centre: https://t.co/upnw11hx1Y
If you want to volunteer with us, please email: [email protected]pic.twitter.com/qHKLa3LHFW
Care4Calais have over 100 drop off and distribution points across the UK. To donate clothes, shoes, phones or other essentials to refugees in the UK you can find your closest drop of point here: care4calais.org/thedropoffmap
People are offering their homes to Afghan refugees
After the UK government committed to resettle 20,000 refugees, there has been a surge in people living in the UK offering their homes to Afghan refugees.
Refugees At Home, a charity which connects people who have spare rooms in their house with refugees and asylum seekers, received 100 new applications to become a host in a 48-hour period as a result of the crisis in Afghanistan.
I am a 76 years old pensioner , I live on my own in a 2 bedroom bungalow. I have today informed Wakefield Council I am willing and able to give 2 refugees accommodation in my spare room.
— neil flek waugh . revolutionary socialist/marxist (@sammythedog1989) August 18, 2021
To find out more about how you can open your home to welcome refugees, visit Refugees at Home.
AirBnB is to offer temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees
IRC partner Airbnb announced it will begin housing 20,000 Afghan refugees globally for free. While the company will front the costs, they are calling on Airbnb hosts to get involved with the initiative. They plan to work closely with the IRC and other NGOS to ensure those most in need are offered support.
Messages from supporters to Afghanistan
On World Humanitarian Day we asked our supporters on social media to send messages of support to our teams in Afghanistan. The response we received was incredible. See some of our highlights below.
From Facebook:
Add a comment to the Instagram post below to share your message of support for IRC staff in Afghanistan.
What more needs to be done to welcome Afghan refugees
The IRC is calling on the UK to increase the pledge from 20,000 over five years to 20,000 within 12 months and 60,000 over five years. That is just 24 people per constituency each year (72 over five years).
Many Afghans living in the UK are terrified about the fate of their families and loved ones. The UK must uphold the right for people in Afghanistan to reunite with family in the UK, including those with pending or temporary status.
How you can help Afghanistan refugees
The IRC has been responding in Afghanistan since 1988 and we will stay as long as we are needed. Donate now to help us support families in crisis.