Human Lives Human Rights: As the government in Afghanistan seems to be collapsing after the seizure of power by the Taliban, the world witnessed chaotic scenes at Kabul airport as thousands of people attempt to leave the country.
The world is witnessing a tragedy in Afghanistan that should have been foreseen and averted. It will only be compounded further without swift and decisive action from the international community.
Thousands of Afghans at serious risk of Taliban reprisals – from academics and journalists to civil society activists and women human rights defenders – are in danger of being abandoned to a deeply uncertain future.
Foreign governments must take every necessary measure to ensure the safe passage out of Afghanistan for all those at risk of being targeted by the Taliban.
This includes expediting visas, delivering support for evacuations from Kabul airport, providing relocation and resettlement, and suspending all deportations and forced returns.
There should be continued security at the Afghan airport while evacuations are ongoing.
As Afghanistan’s people face up to a stark new reality, the UN Security Council must also adopt an emergency resolution calling on the Taliban, who now effectively control the country .
The UNSC needs to respect international human rights law, protect civilians, and end reprisal attacks, as negotiations on transitional arrangements continue.
Thousands of Afghans fearing a return to Taliban rule are trying to flee the country via Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
Videos circulating on social media have showed hundreds of people racing across the tarmac as U.S. soldiers fired warning shots in the air; a crowd pushing and shoving its way up a staircase trying to board a plane; and dozens clinging to the sides of planes attempting to take off.
According to a statement by the airport authority, all commercial flights have been suspended.
Kabul airport was overwhelmed on Sunday night, with more than 2,000 people hoping to board commercial flights leaving the country according to media reports.
At least five people have reportedly been killed in Kabul airport as hundreds of people tried to forcibly enter planes.
Though it remains unclear whether the victims were killed by gunshots or in a stampede.
It’s the US troops, who are currently in charge of the airport and overseeing ongoing efforts to evacuate US nationals.
