IABA Statement on Afghanistan: Take Action & Resources

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August 23, 2021

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.

 

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