Target: Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of United Kingdom
Goal: Expedite resettlement of Afghan refugees and increase assistance initiatives.
Neighboring Pakistan is the latest nation to turn a cold shoulder to the plight of Afghan refugees, many of whom sought a better life after the Taliban takeover. The country’s new hardline anti-immigration stance includes the forceful deportation of scores of refugees. Many of these individuals and families had been residing in Pakistan and contributing to its economy for years.
Some refugees could be finding a new beginning in the United Kingdom (UK) if the region’s leadership honored its previous pledges. Shortly after the Taliban seized control, the UK launched Operation Warm Welcome: an initiative designed to provide a “safe haven” and relocation opportunities to Afghans who had aided the UK government. These individuals, a sizeable percentage of whom are pregnant women, were told to wait in Pakistan until further instruction. Now they are in imminent danger of being handed back to the oppressive regime from which they fled.
Sign the petition below to demand the UK live up to its promises to return a helping hand.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prime Minister Sunak,
“Coming to the UK will no doubt have been a daunting experience, but also one of hope for the future…I am determined that we welcome them with open arms and that my Government puts in place the support they need to rebuild their lives. We will never forget the brave sacrifice made by Afghans who chose to work with us, at great risk to themselves. We owe them, and their families, a huge debt.”
Were these empty words uttered by UK leadership when touting Operation Warm Welcome? Or did these promises mean something? Thousands of refugees who are awaiting deportation from Pakistan (where they were instructed to go) right back into the Taliban’s iron grip would like to know. So would advocates for global humanitarian efforts. Please stop passing the responsibility and honor the commitment this region made to individuals who have already sacrificed so much.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ahmed Akacha
Sorry, but here, I must recoil. Those refugees are NOT our problem and the people of this country comes FIRST! Send those refugees back to their homelands.