Call for Support for Families in Afghanistan
One of our sponsored projects, Project Hajra, sent an emergency request for support this morning. Project Hajra is a membership-based, peer-supported, and transformative justice initiative working out of the AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South/Central Asian) community in Queens, NYC. We stand in solidarity with Afgan people seeking refuge from the political turmoil and instability fueled by US intervention. No one is free until we are all free.
From Project Hajra:
Our member leaders’ families in Afghanistan are at huge risk — some are missing, others are being hunted down, and many have been tortured. Some have even been killed.
We know that people-powered movements have done more and will continue to do more than any government. We are urgently looking for:
1. Pro bono Lawyers to work with families
Members need help filling out paperwork and visa applications. Ideally volunteers would be trauma-informed, have some legal experience/background, and speak Dari. You can help remotely or in person in NYC.
2. Volunteers to advocate with elected officials
We need volunteers to contact representatives offices. We need to flood them with requests for emergency evacuation into the US, Human Rights Fund forms, and our member leaders’ family info.
3. Refugee resettlement agencies and/or immigration rights organizations
Organizations that can help members and their families with safety planning, family reunification, and long-term planning. Ideally, organizations would be located in or experienced at supporting folks in: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey, UAE, United States, Dubai, Spain, Germany, Canada, UK.
4. Trusted people on the ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan
We need volunteers to help people leave Afghanistan and receive support when they reach Pakistan. Volunteers could also help with safety planning and would preferably speak Dari. This is a very important need.
5. Funds
Many families can’t afford costly visa applications and fees to leave the country. We have a safe way to ensure the money reaches our community – for the time being – despite political instability. Please make a tax-deductible donation today to get people out before it’s too late.