As the fifth anniversary of the chaotic Western withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches, calls for improved planning regarding the treatment of Afghan allies have intensified. Local Staff International and AfghanEvac have released a report detailing the ongoing challenges faced by those who assisted NATO forces during the two-decade conflict. Their findings highlight a need for more coordinated international efforts to support locally engaged staff in similar future situations.
A Chaotic Withdrawal
The aftermath of the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021 saw a frantic scramble by the Canadian government and other Western nations to evacuate thousands of Afghans who had worked alongside their military and diplomatic personnel. Many faced grave dangers due to their association with Western forces. In this context, Sara De Jong, co-chair of Local Staff International, emphasised the disjointed nature of the evacuation efforts, stating, “Every country made up their own rules and made up their own eligibility criteria for local staff, and this was especially painful for Afghans who felt that they had worked for a co-ordinated mission.”
The report, titled *The Allied Ledger*, serves as a guide for how to better engage and support local staff during and after military or humanitarian missions. Among its key recommendations is the necessity for thorough planning that includes provisions for local staff before, during, and after missions, especially in times of crisis. Suggestions include the establishment of time-limited employment contracts and clear definitions regarding a person’s ties to foreign entities, alongside maintaining accurate records for future immigration needs.
The State of Resettlement
Despite the urgency of the situation, no official figures exist to quantify the number of Afghans employed by foreign forces or organisations during the conflict. Before the Taliban’s reassertion of control, around 800 Afghan nationals linked to Canada’s military operations were resettled under earlier immigration initiatives, though many were ultimately turned away.
Following the end of military evacuation flights, various nations initiated immigration programmes to assist those left behind. In Canada alone, over 63,000 Afghans were resettled, although many were not directly associated with military efforts. The *Allied Ledger* highlights that approximately 180,000 Afghans were approved for entry into the United States, nearly 40,000 in the UK, and around 45,000 in Germany. Yet, five years later, many of these programmes have either closed or halted processing, leaving thousands in limbo.
Retired Major-General Denis Thompson, who led NATO’s Joint Task Force in Kandahar from 2008 to 2009, pointed out that around 5,500 Afghans with ties to Canada are still awaiting resettlement. Thompson noted the critical role public pressure played in facilitating the initial evacuation, but he expressed concern that the current government’s focus on other global issues has diverted attention from these unresolved cases.
Ongoing Challenges
De Jong’s remarks underscore a moral imperative for supporting local staff, as failing to provide adequate care can undermine credibility in future missions. The Canadian Immigration Department has stated that while special immigration programmes have been closed, Afghans can still apply through alternative channels. Moreover, the government has approved thousands of asylum claims from Afghans who arrived seeking refuge.
As the situation evolves, advocates stress that the plight of former Afghan employees remains urgent. The report calls for a renewed commitment to immigration pathways and increased funding for organisations like Aman Lara, dedicated to assisting former local staff.
Why it Matters
The lessons gleaned from the withdrawal from Afghanistan are critical as the international community navigates future conflicts. The failure to adequately support those who stood alongside Western forces not only jeopardises the safety of these individuals but also risks tarnishing the integrity and credibility of nations involved in international missions. A more comprehensive approach to planning for the inclusion and protection of local staff is not just a moral obligation; it is essential for maintaining trust and effectiveness in future engagements.
