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As the fifth anniversary of the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, advocates are intensifying their calls for enhanced planning regarding the treatment of locally engaged Afghan staff who supported NATO forces. In the wake of the Taliban’s resurgence, organisations such as Local Staff International and U.S.-based AfghanEvac are urging Western governments to ensure that lessons are learned from the chaotic evacuation of 2021. A recent report detailing the current state of resettlement programmes for Afghans was released on the very day that marked the fall of Kandahar, a pivotal location for Canadian military efforts during the two-decade conflict.
The Aftermath of Withdrawal
The withdrawal from Afghanistan, culminating in the Taliban’s swift takeover, initiated a frantic effort by the Canadian government, among others, to evacuate thousands of Afghans who had served alongside Western forces. The urgency stemmed from fears for their lives, given the repressive nature of the Taliban regime and the potential repercussions of their associations with foreign militaries and aid organisations.
During a briefing on the report, Sara De Jong, co-chair of Local Staff International, expressed her frustration with the disjointed approach taken by various countries. “Every nation created its own rules and eligibility criteria for local staff,” she noted, highlighting the pain experienced by Afghans who believed they were part of a unified mission. This lack of coordination resulted in confusion and hurt feelings among those who had risked their lives in support of NATO initiatives.
Insights from ‘The Allied Ledger’
The report, entitled “The Allied Ledger,” offers a comprehensive examination of how nations can better support locally engaged staff during and after military, diplomatic, or humanitarian operations. It recommends that any future missions incorporate thoughtful planning for local staff, outlining essential considerations such as time-limited employment contracts, clear definitions of individual connections to foreign entities, and the maintenance of accurate records for future immigration needs.
While estimating the total number of Afghans employed by foreign entities during the conflict remains challenging, it is clear that prior to the Taliban’s resurgence, Canada had managed to resettle approximately 800 Afghan individuals and their families under earlier immigration initiatives. However, many others were denied entry, highlighting the gaps in the system.
Following the conclusion of military evacuation flights, a variety of immigration programmes were launched across Western nations to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan allies. In Canada, charities emerged to aid in both the evacuation and settlement processes. The report provides a sobering overview of the current landscape: nearly 180,000 Afghans gained entry approval to the United States, around 40,000 to the United Kingdom, and approximately 45,000 to Germany. Canada has welcomed 63,000 Afghans, but not all were directly linked to military efforts; many were part of broader humanitarian programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
The Current Situation
Despite the initial enthusiasm for resettlement, the report reveals that, five years later, many government programmes have either ceased operations or are mired in bureaucratic stagnation. Notably, while 178,000 Afghans are approved for entry into the U.S., many remain stranded due to changing immigration policies. “Not only were local war allies left behind, our own military and civilian personnel suffered moral injury as a result of this unfinished mission,” the report states.
Retired Major-General Denis Thompson, who oversaw NATO’s Joint Task Force in Kandahar, estimates that around 5,500 Afghans with ties to Canada are still in dire need of resettlement. His calls for renewed attention to the plight of former Afghan employees come against the backdrop of shifting political priorities in Ottawa. The urgency of public pressure during the 2021 federal election played a crucial role in advancing resettlement efforts, but renewed focus may be elusive as the government grapples with other international conflicts.
A Call for Action
De Jong emphasises the moral imperative of supporting local staff, stating, “If we fail to honour our duty of care now, we jeopardise our credibility and integrity for future missions.” The federal Immigration Department has indicated that while special immigration programmes have closed, Afghans may still apply through other avenues. Additionally, thousands of asylum claims from Afghans seeking refuge in Canada have been approved.
However, the future remains uncertain for many Afghan allies, and advocates assert that the time for action is now.
Why it Matters
The plight of Afghan allies serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities borne by nations that engage in military interventions. As the world reflects on the events five years ago, it becomes increasingly clear that the failure to protect those who supported Western efforts not only endangers lives but also tarnishes the legacy of future international missions. The need for comprehensive planning and support structures for local staff is imperative to ensure that history does not repeat itself in future conflicts. The moral and ethical obligations to those who stood alongside Western forces must remain a priority, lest we risk losing credibility and trust in global commitments.
