Dear friends of Sea-Eye,

Events in Afghanistan continue to unfold at a rapid pace.

The Taliban are currently putting together their new government. They show no willingness to negotiate an extension of the August 31st evacuation deadline and threaten with a “reaction”, if there happens to be an extension.

Because the German government's evacuation attempts are taking place far too late and inadequately planned, enormous dangers are being created for the people on site.

And while the Taliban are trying to portray themselves as a conciliatory, peaceful group now, the UN, among others, reports ongoing, serious human rights violations. There are credible reports of mass executions of civilians and former members of the Afghan security forces. In some regions, girls and women are no longer allowed to go to school or work, contrary to Taliban claims. Protests are violently put down.

“There are serious risks for women, journalists, and the new generation of civil society leaders who have emerged in recent years. Afghanistan's diverse ethnic and religious minorities are also at risk of violence and repression, considering the serious human rights violations under the Taliban in the past and reports of killings and targeted attacks in recent months,” said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The fact that people must flee is beyond question. However, for many of the country's inhabitants, it isn’t even possible to reach an airport, let alone obtain the necessary travel documents. Fleeing to the West via land is also considered virtually impossible, especially without documents. Some countries are closing their borders already or are increasing controls to repel refugees.

It is long overdue to talk about concrete, well thought-out escape options for all with all actors, including in the form of humanitarian corridors, and to implement them as quickly as possible. The European policy of isolation must finally come to an end. Those responsible have long been able to reckon with the consequences of their actions and must now take responsibility.

Please continue to stand up for the affected people in Afghanistan!

• Share the petition.
• Appeal to your politicians to finally act.
• Take to the streets in the coming days to demonstrate.
• Follow our social media accounts to stay informed:
  • Instagram: @seaeye_org
  • Twitter & Facebook: @seaeyeorg
  • Newsletter: sea-eye.org/en/newsletter/

Thank you for your engagement. Together we stand for a Europe that takes responsibility!

Joana Weinmann, Gorden Isler, Sophie Weidenhiller, Axel Pasligh
- from Sea-Eye e. V.