Countries prepare for influx of Afghan refugees as crisis deepens
Kabul has fallen to the Taliban. What will the world’s response be to the refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the Taliban?
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As the Taliban consolidates power in Afghanistan, more refugees are expected to evacuate the country.
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The International Organization for Migration estimates that since international troops started withdrawing in May, at least 30,000 have fled the country weekly.
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The United States says that it is looking to take in 30,000 Afghan refugees, while Canada has said it will resettle 20,000.
Thousands have fled Kabul in recent days as the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan, and countries are bracing themselves for a mass influx of refugees.
Since the start of this year, almost 400,000 Afghans have been forced from their homes and displaced internally, with children and women making up 80% of those fleeing, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said.
The United States reportedly plans to admit 30,000 refugees on Special Immigration Visas (SIV) for those who are employed or work on behalf of the U.S. government. The White House has announced an additional $500 million in funding for refugee relocation.
Canada said that will resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees.
The UK is in the process of drafting plans to take in refugees, the BBC reported.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) released the following announcement:
“`While the current situation presents difficult new challenges, IOM will strive to continue its programmes and provide assistance to displaced communities while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its staff across the country,’ said IOM Director General António Vitorino.
`The security of humanitarian actors, and respect for humanitarian principles, are prerequisites for a continued and effective response to the needs of vulnerable people, and assurances by all parties involved must be provided.’
Nearly 400,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the year as a result of ongoing violence. More than 5 million others are already internally displaced and reliant on humanitarian aid.”
KJ