World Relief Reflects on the End of the 20-Year War in Afghanistan and Urges the United States and International Community to Continue to Assist and Protect Vulnerable Afghans

September 1, 2021

CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
703-388-6734

BALTIMORE – The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that the United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, marking an end to a two-decade conflict. The longest war in U.S. history is over, but the lingering effects, especially on vulnerable communities, will be felt on the ground for years to come.  World Relief urges the United States to play a leading role in offering assistance and protection to Afghans left behind and continue efforts to evacuate the estimated 100,000 at-risk Afghans who still remain on the ground. World Relief also urges the international community to welcome and provide assistance and protection for the thousands of Afghans who are fleeing into neighboring countries. Without a clear plan for a continued evacuation process, the United States must continue to offer safety through all means necessary for vulnerable Afghans inside Afghanistan and those forced to flee. 

“We remember the thousands of lives lost in the conflict in Afghanistan, including American service members, Afghan civilians, and others. But the mission is not complete.  The United States and the international community must do the hard work now of protecting and assisting those who cannot remain in Afghanistan safely,” said Jenny Yang, senior vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief. “We call on the U.S. in particular to welcome and assist Afghan refugees who are being displaced and ensure that we provide the resources and support to help rescue at-risk Afghans abroad and as they arrive in the United States.”

World Relief champions the intrinsic dignity of every human life. Every refugee is a human being made in the image of God and deserving of respect and protection. World Relief deplores the violence in Afghanistan and continues to mourn the loss of life in the recent terrorist attack on Kabul airport as well as the lives lost during the twenty-year conflict. In particular, World Relief honors the 13 U.S. service members who were tragically killed in that attack, and stands in support of the Afghan communities who are grieving the loss and injury of loved ones.

“World Relief commends the bravery and sacrifice of the 13 U.S. service members whose devastating loss is being felt throughout our nation,” said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. “We also stand in solidarity with every Afghan killed or wounded as we pray for peace in Afghanistan. With the completion of the official U.S. withdrawal, we must not forget our commitment to the women, men and children whose lives remain in jeopardy in Afghanistan.”

Across the nation, World Relief staff and volunteers are continuing to work to welcome and serve Afghans who were able to be evacuated and who are now beginning to arrive in the U.S., including more than 360 Afghans welcomed by World Relief in the month of August. Many more are anticipated in the months to come. World Relief is working to foster stability and integration for Afghan refugees building a new life in the U.S.

“We need a compassionate response to the needs of Afghan refugees,” said Greene. “World Relief calls on the church to continue to welcome refugees and provide safety for those who have been forced to flee their country. Every second counts as we work together to bring lasting change to our world.”

To learn more about World Relief, including opportunities to donate, volunteer and advocate, visit https://worldrelief.org/respond/#afghan.

To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.

About World Relief

World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.

Learn more at worldrelief.org.

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