IABA Statement on Afghanistan: Take Action & Resources
The Iranian American Bar Association (IABA) is deeply saddened and alarmed by the deterioration of the rule of law, and ensuing humanitarian catastrophe, following decades of conflict and the recent United States (U.S.) military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Of utmost urgency is the need to support individuals in Afghanistan who should be protected under international human rights, refugee, and asylum legal obligations, as well as the Afghan community in the U.S. seeking legal and humanitarian support.
We urge the U.S. government to act swiftly to protect civilians in Afghanistan from reprisals and persecution by the Taliban, particularly human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, members of the media, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) candidates, and other vulnerable individuals. The U.S. must also protect individuals in the U.S. from deportation or removal to Afghanistan.
IABA echoes the call for the U.S. government to: (1) Prioritize emergency evacuations out of Afghanistan; (2) Create a special humanitarian parole program; (3) Implement a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for all Afghans; (4) Expand numerical visa caps, broaden visa eligibility requirements, and expedite visa processing, including P1, P2 and SIV visas; (5) Welcome refugees and asylum seekers; (6) Deliver immediate humanitarian assistance; and (7) Work with regional and international governments to mitigate the devastating impacts of this humanitarian emergency on the Afghan people.
Take Action & Resources
- Resources for Individuals Needing Legal Support:
- Pars Equality Center Seeking Pro Bono Attorney Volunteers:
- Pars Equality Center is seeking attorney volunteers, particularly any attorneys with humanitarian parole or SIV experience or Farsi speakers. However, you do not need prior experience to volunteer. If you are able to volunteer for a pro bono case, please email: info@iaba.us.
- Pars Equality Center is seeking attorney volunteers, particularly any attorneys with humanitarian parole or SIV experience or Farsi speakers. However, you do not need prior experience to volunteer. If you are able to volunteer for a pro bono case, please email: info@iaba.us.
- Resources for Attorneys with Afghan Clients: