Afghan Refugee Crisis Continues

By Peri Newman ‘24
    After over four decades, the Afghan refugee crisis is one of the largest and most long lasting mass displacements in the world with a total of six million Afghans affected. This year, Afghans are being displaced more than ever before due to the outbreak of violence prompted by the Taliban’s overthrow of the elected Afghan government, and subsequent attacks by ISIS-K against the Taliban.

3.5 million refugees are displaced within Afghanistan and 2.5 million are currently refugees in other countries. Throughout the four decades, Afghans have faced many struggles including natural disasters, poverty and war. 
Since Afghans are forced to flee from their home countries for safety, they go to  wherever the most accessible place is. Though the majority of Afghans remain in Afghanistan despite the dangerous conditions, others are forced to cross treacherous borders to escape to neighboring countries such as Iran or Pakistan. However, many Afghans are unable to cross at the borders, and face even more dangerous situations than before. Of the newly displaced Afghan refugees, eighty percent are women and children. 
Social Studies teacher Mr. Stern said, “80% of refugees being women and children is among the biggest travesties because they are the one’s who are especially harmed by Taliban rule and they are now either trapped in refugee camps or forced to live under the Taliban’s violent authority. That being said, there are many countries around the world with similar problems.  The US has done little to help them, so what makes this different? We can’t help everybody.” 
    In recent years, the demand for shelter, food, water, health services, and cash assistance have increased; however, Afghani infrastructure is unable to fulfill the needs of its impoverished population. In this year alone, Afghans faced severe drought and food shortages across the entire country. 
Another major issue in Afghanistan is the Taliban, who control the country. Since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August, the US government has evacuated thousands of Americans and Afghans from the country over a deadly two week period in September in one of the largest airlifts in history. 
Since then, the number of Afghans applying for immigrant visas, refugee status or protection has skyrocketed. Many are seeking asylum or other pathways for permanent legal status in “safe-haven” countries while others are looking for temporary solutions. 
    Mr. Stern said, “I think things are definitely going to get worse for Afghans and may very well get worse for the US and the world. These endless wars against ideology only serve to create new generations of people who have reasons to hate us.” 
Decades of war led to the Afghan refugee crisis during which millions of Afghans fled the country or have been displaced to save themselves and their families. Moreover, the Taliban's takeover creates even more uncertainty going forward.
    Sophomore Mimi Lebeau said, “I am hopeful that soon there will be peace in Afghanistan; however, at the moment, the future seems bleak.