3 years on since the fall of Kabul: what has really changed for Afghans?

Today marks three years since the fall of Kabul, a day that saw thousands of Afghan families torn apart as they fled for their lives. For many, the wait to reunite continues today. As we reflect on these three years, Amir, an Expert by Experience with Safe Passage International, discusses what has changed for Afghan families and what still urgently needs to be done by the new government to protect them.

Three years ago, I saw my country fall to the Taliban. Today, the situation remains as urgent – many people are still trapped in danger, and hope is fading. While approximately 21,500 Afghans who made it to the UK have begun new lives here, countless others remain in Afghanistan, often living in hiding and under the constant threat of the Taliban. Women and girls, in particular, have faced severe repression, losing their rights and freedoms. Yet, as the world moves on to new crises, Afghanistan risks being forgotten. But Afghans still need our help.

Over the past three years, we’ve been campaigning tirelessly for change with Safe Passage International. From writing to the government demanding safe routes, to mobilising MPs and gathering thousands of signatures on our ‘No Afghan Left Behind’ campaign, we’ve worked across political lines to advocate for Afghan safe routes. And a few weeks ago, we finally had a breakthrough: a new family reunion scheme was announced for families separated during the 2021 evacuations. This is a huge victory for many families, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it happen.

“When I heard about the new family reunion pathway, I got so emotional, I couldn’t believe it.  It’s really hard to be separated from your parents, your siblings, or your partner – it’s a really big achievement that we made this change happen together.”

But while this scheme is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t go far enough. Many people will still be left out, forced to live apart from their loved ones and fearing for their lives, despite being promised safety in the UK. We need to keep fighting this injustice. Everyone deserves love, family, and a place to feel safe – it’s as simple as that. But without fixing the Afghan schemes and opening safe routes, many refugees from Afghanistan and beyond will continue to live in unspeakable danger.

We must continue pushing the government to offer the protection refugees need – not just for those fleeing the Taliban, but for anyone seeking safety from war and persecution.

“We all need a place like home, with family in it. The Government can make that a reality for all refugees who’re desperate to reunite with family in the UK. But only if we stand together.”

Our campaign for Routes To Safety isn’t over. Now more than ever, we must continue to counter hate and division with stories of unity and humanity. Afghanistan is more than just war and the Taliban –there is so much richness we can bring to communities, if given a chance to rebuild our lives in the UK. This is the message Afghans need people across the UK to keep sharing.