Campaigning to #ReuniteAfghanFamilies

A blog by Rosie Robinson-Kyle, one of our Grassroots Campaigners, who joined us in Parliament to campaign to reunite Afghan families.

Tuesday the 17th of January marked nearly 18 months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. Afghanistan has since been experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, despite promising that those airlifted to safety would be resettled with their loved ones. However, nearly a year and a half on, families are being kept apart because no process has been put in place for their reunification under the Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme.

Family reunification would make a huge difference for Afghan refugees in the UK, and at-risk individuals in Afghanistan. Samir*, who managed to escape during the evacuation in 2021 after both his parents were killed by the Taliban, now fears for his younger siblings. They did not make it out, and are living in hiding after being tortured by the Taliban. For Samir, his family, and many others, the importance of this campaign cannot be understated.

Feeling grief, frustration, and despair – and a healthy dose of determination - I joined Safe Passage along with nearly 40 other Safe Passage Grassroots Campaigners, Young Leaders, and Afghan activists to head to Parliament, to demand a process be set up to reunite Afghan families safely in the UK.  

Our aim was to raise the issue up the agenda and we’ve already been successful in that. Parliamentarians promised to raise the issue with relevant Ministers and two attendees also submitted written questions to the Home Office asking what was to be done.

Building-Up to the Event

In the lead-up to the event, I’d written several emails to my MP about the lack of a family reunification process and inviting them to the event. By the morning of the action, I’d still had no response; I felt unheard. I was slightly apprehensive about the impact my actions could have, and doubtful of the efficacy of democratic processes to resolve urgent issues affecting those most vulnerable.

Despite my initial concerns, I was reminded that this campaign was bigger than me and my actions alone; 1,864 emails were sent to MPs, and a letter to the Prime Minister had been written and signed by over 100 Afghan activists and refugee charities. The momentum had been building for some time, with headline coverage in The Guardian3 and Evening Standard4 newspapers. On reflection, it’s the combined efforts of everyone applying sufficient pressure that landed such an impact. The powerlessness and isolation I felt previously was just one perspective – collective action is powerful, no matter how insignificant personal actions may feel at the time.

Events of the Day

Before heading to parliament, we met as a group and received training on how to influence MPs; this was a valuable opportunity to meet Safe Passage Young Leaders and Afghan activists that are directly affected by the inaction and broken promises in the last 18 months. It was humbling to hear their stories and support them by campaigning alongside them. In that room, I was reminded of the importance of using my voice to amplify theirs, to add volume to the call for action.

Whilst most went to discuss with MPs how they can support the campaign at the Parliamentary event, I joined a group of 10 others to “green card” our MPs from the main lobby in Parliament. “Greencarding” is a way to send a message to your MP asking them to meet with you on the day, if they can. I was fortunate to speak with a representative of my MP; he listened to me explain the importance of the campaign and offered to write to the Minister of Immigration as an act of support.

Young Leader Amir, who had to flee Afghanistan in August 2021 through evacuation flights, talks to MPs and Peers in Parliament about family seperation and the need for a family reunion pathway for Afghans.

Visiting parliament was exciting; learning about democratic processes and my rights as a citizen felt empowering. All too often I find myself - and others, feeling helpless, hopeless and frustrated. Last week I learned that a group of determined people can make a difference. I do wonder whether I’d still be waiting for a response from my MP had it not been for our collective campaigning.

We reconvened for a meal to share stories from the day. Despite the tiredness setting in, the place was alive with a triumphant buzz as other campaigners, activists and Young Leaders discussed the support MPs had demonstrated for the campaign. There was a real sense of hopefulness. Some Young Leaders began singing along to Afghan music, and others joined in, clapping along to the rhythm. Before leaving, one of the Young Leaders stood up and thanked everyone for turning up and campaigning on behalf of their family, and the families of other Afghan refugees who are still awaiting routes to safety. I was struck by the bravery, strength, and resilience of the people at the heart of this campaign.

I’m excited (and dare I say it, optimistic,) to see how the Parliamentary event and Safe Passage campaign will give rise to a real process for family reunification for Afghan refugees in the UK. To find out how you can get involved see the links below.