WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) joins the international community in its grave concern about the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan, and calls for the peaceful establishment of a new government that is inclusive, representative and which upholds the rights of women, children and vulnerable people.
Given the Taliban’s documented history of oppression and physical and emotional abuse of non-combatants under their control, the international community must take immediate steps to prevent a dire humanitarian crisis.
Thousands of Afghans who did translations, interpreting and other duties for the U.S. military, and their families, are at risk for imprisonment or execution at the hands of the Taliban. It is essential that these allies, who worked alongside our troops over the past two decades, be provided Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). Thousands of others who are also at risk but do not meet the requirements for a SIV must also be provided with refuge.
The international community must also ensure that women in Afghanistan continue to have access to education, employment and political power. These are not just civil rights but human rights. Women must not be relegated to second class status, living in fear of forced marriage or assault, and confined to their homes. We must also take action to ensure the prompt and safe resettlement of the Afghan people, hundreds of thousands of whom have been displaced due to the crisis.
NASW is grateful to the courageous men and women in the armed service and to the civilian workforce for their service and valuable contributions.
Additional resources:
Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/asia/afghanistan
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: https://unama.unmissions.org/news
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
