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The Taliban’s August 2021 takeover of Afghanistan has led to international concerns for the safety and livelihood of vulnerable populations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Afghans. Same-sex activity was already criminalized and punishable by death in the country before the Taliban took control, but the new regime’s mandate to rule with the Taliban’s extreme version of Sharia law makes the fate of LGBTQI Afghans even more precarious than before. An exodus of LGBTQI refugees has commenced and will likely expand over the next few weeks and months.
The Human Rights Campaign answered the call to support Afghan refugees by preparing an issue brief highlighting the dire situation of LGBTQI people in the country, detailing the background and current landscape. HRC partnered with the Council for Global Equality, Immigration Equality, IRAP, Rainbow Railroad and ORAM to propose 10 policy recommendations for the Biden administration, designed to improve the refugee and asylum process for LGBTQI Afghans. Jean Freedberg, HRC director of global partnerships, convened a panel discussion about the current crisis facing LGBTQI Afghans and the urgent need for action by the Biden administration and others to protect them.
HRC members and supporters are encouraged to add their names to thousands who have already signed the 10-point action plan urging the Biden administration to adopt these measures to protect LGBTQI Afghan refugees.
Donate to resettlement agencies and community organizations.
Volunteer your time.
Become a sponsor.
Host a temporary stay for Afghan refugees funded by Airbnb.