The lives and freedoms of women and girls are in the balance as the Taliban takes power in Afghanistan. Under Taliban rules, women and girls are banned from studying, working, showing their skin in public, accessing healthcare, being involved in politics or speaking publicly. Sexual violence and forced marriage to Taliban fighters is common.

We therefore ask the UK government, as G7 Chair and key NATO partner, to urgently work with all parties and international allies, leveraging the access still possible on the ground through third-party states, to ensure:

• An immediate international refugee plan.
• An accelerated asylum plan for Afghan women and girls most at risk and to extend asylum provisions to allow families to come to the UK.
• The right of women in Afghanistan to move freely and safely, and to continue to study and to work without restrictions or fear of reprisals.
• The right of women in Afghanistan to have access to healthcare.
• The right of women in Afghanistan to participate in politics, law, NGO work without threat or harm.
• The presence of international observers and aid to support the most vulnerable.

(Photo credit: U.S. Air Force TSgt Laura K. Smith/ISAF)