As the fifth anniversary of the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, advocates are urging nations to establish robust frameworks for the treatment of local personnel who supported NATO operations. Local Staff International and the U.S.-based AfghanEvac have released a report highlighting the ongoing need to assist Afghans who stood alongside Western forces during the 20-year conflict. This call to action coincides with the grim remembrance of the fall of key cities like Kandahar and Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021.
A Chaotic Exit
The chaotic evacuation of Afghan allies marked a dark chapter in the history of NATO’s involvement in the region. Following the Taliban’s rapid advance, Western nations scrambled to airlift thousands of Afghan nationals who faced immediate danger due to their affiliations with Western entities. The stark contrast in the evacuation strategies employed by different countries has drawn significant criticism. Sara De Jong, co-chair of Local Staff International, remarked that “every country made up their own rules” regarding eligibility, leaving many Afghans who had hoped for coordinated support feeling abandoned.
The report, aptly titled *The Allied Ledger*, lays out essential principles for future international engagements, emphasising the need for pre-planned support for local staff during and after military, diplomatic, or humanitarian missions. Recommendations include establishing time-limited employment similar to military deployments, creating clear definitions of connections to foreign missions, and ensuring accurate record-keeping for immigration purposes.
The Current State of Resettlement
While there are no definitive figures for the number of Afghans employed by foreign governments or NGOs during the conflict, the *Allied Ledger* provides insights into resettlement efforts around the world. Approximately 180,000 Afghans were approved for entry into the United States under special immigration measures, alongside nearly 40,000 in the UK and around 45,000 in Germany. Canada, in its own response, managed to resettle 63,000 Afghans, although many lacked direct ties to military operations; special provisions were also made for vulnerable groups.
Despite these efforts, the report highlights a troubling trend: five years post-withdrawal, many government resettlement programmes have either ceased operations or severely restricted their intake. Notably, while 178,000 Afghans were approved for entry into the U.S., many remain in limbo due to shifting immigration policies.
The Call for Action
The challenges faced by Afghan allies do not solely rest with the nations that sent troops. Retired Major-General Denis Thompson, who oversaw NATO’s operations in Kandahar, indicated that approximately 5,500 Afghans with links to Canada are still awaiting resettlement. During a briefing, Thompson underscored the moral injuries inflicted on both military and civilian personnel involved in the mission, stating that “not only were local war allies left behind” but that this failure also affected the integrity of the Canadian mission.
The public pressure during the evacuation efforts played a crucial role in prompting action from the Canadian government. However, with other international conflicts now capturing the spotlight, renewing focus on Afghan resettlement presents a significant challenge. Thompson has called for the reopening of immigration pathways for Afghans and increased financial support for organizations like Aman Lara, which aim to assist former Afghan staff.
A Broader Commitment
The federal Immigration Department has conveyed that, despite the closure of special immigration programmes, Afghans can still apply through alternative channels. Additionally, thousands of asylum claims have been approved for those who managed to reach Canada seeking refuge. De Jong reiterated the necessity of safeguarding local staff, asserting, “If we fail to honour our duty of care now, that also jeopardizes our credibility and integrity for future missions.”
Why it Matters
The plight of Afghan allies is a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with international engagements. As nations grapple with the aftermath of their military involvements, the treatment of those who stood by them is not merely a humanitarian issue; it is a matter of honour and credibility. Ensuring that lessons are learned and frameworks are established for future operations will be crucial in maintaining trust and integrity in international commitments. The narrative around Afghanistan serves as a stark warning that the consequences of neglect extend far beyond borders, affecting the moral fabric of nations and their global relationships.
