Following the withdrawal of US troops and the collapse of the Afghan government, tens of thousands of Afghans refugees have been evacuated to the US and to third countries around the world; many of those currently in third countries ultimately hope to reach the US. Those already in the US will need support in starting a new life and adjusting to their new society. This project will help refugees integrate in to their new communities and help with basic necessities.

Challenge

It is always difficult to start again, particularly for Afghan refugees who had to abandon everything and flee their homes with the hope of new beginnings. Some of these refugees-particularly the persecuted and marginalized Hazaras, who are systematically targeted by the Taliban and ISIS-K on the basis of ethnicity and religion-are especially vulnerable in light of their recent experiences escaping the Taliban. They need help getting over their trauma and adjusting to a new life in the US.

Long-Term Impact

It appears that there will be successive groups of evacuees arriving from third countries to the US as their applications are processed. At the same time, those refugees currently in the US at military bases and other camps will be relocated to their new communities when their paperwork is complete. The Foundation, in collaboration with diaspora partners and community leaders, will help refugees navigate their trauma, and welcome them into their new communities.

References

1. http://www.bamyanfoundation.org
2. https://www.ushmm.org/information/press/press-releases/museum-statement-on-the-hazara
3. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/10/08/military-reviewing-lessons-of-afghanistan-evacuation-as-thousands-more-seek-refuge/
4. https://www.pri.org/stories/2021-10-05/why-don-t-you-have-mercy-afghanistan-s-hazara-people-increasingly-face-eviction
5. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/opinion/afghanistan-kabul-evacuations.html

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