Safe routes for Afghan refugees needed now

Our hearts are with all those impacted by the terrible events in Afghanistan. The UK government must urgently offer safe routes to Afghan people seeking safety and help reunite families separated by this terrifying situation.

Responding the emergency situation in Afghanistan and the news that the Government is considering a new resettlement scheme, Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO of Safe Passage International, said:

“We must do all we can in the UK to support all Afghan refugees who are fleeing their country as the Taliban seize control.

It is welcome news that the Government is considering a targeted resettlement programme for Afghan refugees, but these good intentions must be backed by clear, ambitious numerical targets.

We’re calling on the Government to commit today to resettle at least 20,000 Afghan refugees over the next 2 years, in addition to their emergency relocation programme. This commitment should go hand in hand with a pledge of a long-term global resettlement scheme, which helps an additional 10,000 refugees a year.

At Safe Passage we are being contacted by many desperate families living in Britain with loved ones trapped in Afghanistan. The Government must also prioritise offering safe passage to relatives and close family of British Citizens and residents, including by expanding relocation efforts and through any future resettlement scheme.

The Government must act now to save lives by opening safe routes for Afghan refugees to reach the UK. Without an ambitious commitment from the Government now, we will see many more children risking their lives attempting to reach safety and family in the UK in the coming weeks and months.”