NJPN Blog: Voices from Afghanistan

Volunteers distribute oil and rice in Bamiyan after the Taliban has taken over

For over 13 years, Afghan Peace Projects, formerly Voices for Creative Nonviolence UK, visited and supported a group of young people who ran community projects in Kabul. They provided employment for poor women and education for street children and took part in direct actions such as a gender-free bike ride and a border-free football team.

They have been scattered 'from East to West', some remaining in Afghanistan, some escaping to Europe and neighbouring countries. Using Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger they have sent these updates and reflections.

This month, the UK government opened its resettlement scheme to Afghan citizens. They say they will prioritise, "people who face a particular risk from the Taliban, for example because of their stand for democracy and human rights, or because of their gender, sexuality, or religion." However, it's not so easy for our friends to take advantage of this visa system. Passports, flights and visas have to be obtained on the black market which is extremely costly. If you travel to Pakistan illegally, there is the chance you will be prevented from leaving.

Since the Taliban seized power, daily life itself has become hazardous.

Nahal writes from Kabul:

"The situation here is getting worse for us every day. When I see women who raise the voice of freedom and peace being taken hostage every day, when I see one of these Taliban on the street, I feel that they will shoot me. There are announcements every day that they [ex Afghan Jihadi groups] are importing firearms by helicopter at night in the provinces. At the end of March, the war will begin again.'

Abdul writes,

"I am worried about my future. I wish I could finish my education but currently I can't. There is no hope for a better and brighter future for me in Afghanistan. I don't feel safe: the Taliban are searching home by home looking for people who worked with foreigners."

Activists and community volunteers with connections with the West feel their lives are in danger. Ramineh, in hiding in Kabul, cannot leave the house to find money, or buy food or fuel. She is now desperate to leave.

"Last night the Taliban killed my friend Zahra. The wild people shot her through the heart. They could attack me at any time and kill me like my friend Zahra. Now, Afghanistan is not a safe place for me."

In Afghanistan, Ahmad was so worried he couldn't leave the house. At any time the Taliban could stop him and ask for documents. To say nothing was equally dangerous. Now safely in Germany, preparing to start a new life, Ahmad writes about his anxiety of having to leave his mother and siblings behind.

"It is so hard to me wondering how the situation will be for my mother now she's jobless and she can't work right now outside the house because of the 'Taliban databank. If you are a woman they don't let you work outside."

Maryam was the first in her village to go to university. Her family has also been scattered while her mother remains in Afghanistan.

"My heart is crying inside of me. I really can't describe my feelings during these days. I feel that if I could go back to be with my mom and cry with her maybe it would help to [alleviate the sadness]. Maybe if I could be with her she would feel for a moment that she is not alone her children are not forced to leave her alone."

Maryam and her husband, along with many others, are in Pakistan from where they hope to get visas for countries from which they won't be deported, such as Somalia, Albania, Brazil, Portugal. Maryam writes about conditions in Quetta, where many Hazara refugees have fled, where they have to live in hiding, often having to move house and covering their face.

"Our blood is red, our hearts work the same way, our eyes work to see each others eyes, to touch each others feelings, we relate to each other, we live in the same world, we share the same sky, our basic need to be alive is breathing, I believe there are no borders between humans."

"If women have the chance to work and make decisions in Afghanistan they will not let any of their children die, or join the military. Women can show life, peace and love. They just share their kindness and love with humans. If women could be educated they could make a better life for women, children, and men, and make a green land for living without war and killing."

"Please don't forget women, they are very kind."

I am enormously grateful to the friends who have sent these messages. The intention here is to give a picture of the tragic disruption that perpetual war and forced migration cause to people's normal lives and families.

Afghan Peace Projects: https://afghanistanpeaceproject.co.uk

All names have been changed.