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Five years after the tumultuous exit of Western forces from Afghanistan, advocates are calling on nations to devise robust plans to protect and support the Afghan nationals who assisted NATO operations. Local Staff International, in collaboration with U.S.-based AfghanEvac, has published a report urging governments to continue their commitment to the Afghans who stood alongside international troops, diplomats, and aid organisations during the two-decade conflict. This report, released on the anniversary of the fall of Kandahar—once the epicentre of Canada’s military involvement—highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Afghan allies in the wake of the Taliban’s resurgence.
Chaotic Withdrawal and its Aftermath
The withdrawal from Afghanistan was marked by chaos and urgency, as the Canadian government, along with other Western nations, scrambled to evacuate thousands of Afghans who feared for their lives due to their associations with foreign forces. The situation escalated dramatically when Kabul fell just three days after Kandahar, leading to a desperate airlift operation for those at risk.
Sara De Jong, co-chair of Local Staff International, emphasised the disarray evident during the evacuation. “Every country made up their own rules and eligibility criteria for local staff, and this was especially painful for Afghans who felt that they had worked for a co-ordinated mission,” she remarked during a briefing. The lack of a unified approach left many feeling abandoned.
Insights from The Allied Ledger
The newly released report, titled *The Allied Ledger*, provides crucial insights into the treatment of locally engaged staff during military and humanitarian missions. Among its key recommendations is the necessity for comprehensive planning that extends beyond the duration of military operations. Factors such as time-limited employment and clear definitions of connections to foreign entities should be established to ensure that local staff are adequately supported during and after missions.
Before the Taliban regained control, approximately 800 Afghans linked to Canada’s military efforts were resettled under previous immigration initiatives. However, many faced rejection, and the current plight of Afghans remains dire. The report highlights that nearly 180,000 Afghans were approved for entry into the United States, with significant numbers cleared in the UK and Germany. Canada managed to resettle 63,000 Afghans, yet the majority of these individuals did not have direct military ties, as special programmes also catered to other vulnerable groups.
Current Challenges and Calls for Action
Despite the initial efforts to resettle Afghan allies, the situation has deteriorated, with many government programmes closing their doors to new applicants. The report underscores the moral injury experienced by military and civilian personnel due to the unfulfilled promise of support. Retired Major-General Denis Thompson, who previously led NATO’s Joint Task Force in Kandahar, indicated that around 5,500 Afghans connected to Canada remain in need of resettlement.
The urgency of this issue was highlighted during a federal election campaign in 2021, where public pressure played a vital role in galvanising action. However, with the Canadian government now preoccupied with various international crises, including a trade war with the United States, renewing focus on the plight of Afghan allies presents a significant challenge. Thompson has urged for the reopening of immigration pathways for Afghans and increased financial support for organisations like Aman Lara, which assists in evacuating former staff.
The federal Immigration Department has stated that while special immigration programmes are currently closed, Afghans can still apply through other available routes. Additionally, Canada has approved thousands of asylum claims from Afghans seeking refuge after their arrival.
Why it Matters
The ongoing advocacy for Afghan allies underscores a fundamental obligation: the duty of care for those who risked their lives to support international missions. As nations navigate the complexities of global conflicts, the failure to honour commitments to local staff not only jeopardises the welfare of these individuals but also erodes trust and credibility for future engagements. The lessons learned from the Afghan withdrawal must inform better strategies to ensure that local partners are safeguarded, reinforcing the moral fabric of international cooperation in times of crisis.
