Situation Report: Afghanistan Crisis
Situation
The United States has withdrawn from a decades long war in Afghanistan. Under a special immigrant program, the U.S. has been evacuating thousands of Afghans who served alongside Americans. While the program has been ongoing for over 10 years, the withdrawal deadline of Aug. 31 has caused pressure on resettlement agencies to accompany Afghan families.
In Afghanistan, the increased conflict is forcing people to flee their homes. Many Afghans are seeking safety in Kabul, but this influx of internally displaced people (IDPs) is burdening a weakened infrastructure.
Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is reaching out to synods, congregations and affiliates that are taking an active role in welcoming Afghan families. Housing assistance, health and wellness care, and community belonging are essential as they move toward integrating into a new community. Support for volunteers and interpreters is critical. Lutheran Disaster Response is also in partnership with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and Church World Service (CWS), the lead organizations in resettling Afghan families. Lutheran Disaster Response’s engagement is to respond to the immediate humanitarian crisis, supplementing the work of LIRS and CWS.
To respond to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is assisting Afghan families in Kabul through food security and cash assistance. Lutheran Disaster Response contributed to ACT Alliance’s Rapid Response Fund, which is funding CWSA’s work in Afghanistan.