Afghanistan

Dear friends, A young female journalist forced into hiding in Afghanistan had one request for those listening around the world.“Please pray for me”, she asked.Her life had been obliterated overnight -- she could no longer write under her own name, or say where she was. She didn't know if she’d see her family again, or whether she’d even survive.She’s not alone. Since the US announced they're leaving and the Taliban swept across Afghanistan, thousands are living in fear and hiding underground. Some have clung onto airplanes in a desperate bid to escape, and devastating bomb attacks just killed dozens of people at Kabul airport.Our movement can not look away.The Taliban have said foreign forces have to withdraw from the country by Tuesday, which means every day counts to help save lives. A group of organisations and activists are determined to keep delivering critical services even beyond this deadline, despite the risks to them and their colleagues. But they need our urgent support and they need it now.Millions of us are getting this email -- if only a few of us chipped in, we could help provide food and life-saving medical supplies to the most vulnerable, keep hospitals, maternity wards and safehouses open, and even help those most at risk reach safety.Chip in now -- 100% of the funds we raise will go to groups doing all they can to protect Afghan lives: [Take Action Now!] Dear friends, A young female journalist forced into hiding in Afghanistan had one request for those listening around the world. “Please pray for me”, she asked. Her life had been obliterated overnight -- she could no longer write under her own name, or say where she was. She didn't know if she’d see her family again, or whether she’d even survive. She’s not alone. Since the US announced they're leaving and the Taliban swept across Afghanistan, thousands are living in fear and hiding underground. Some have clung onto airplanes in a desperate bid to escape, and devastating bomb attacks just killed dozens of people at Kabul airport. Our movement can not look away. The Taliban have said foreign forces have to withdraw from the country by Tuesday, which means every day counts to help save lives. A group of organisations and activists are determined to keep delivering critical services even beyond this deadline, despite the risks to them and their colleagues. But they need our urgent support and they need it now. Millions of us are getting this email -- if only a few of us chipped in, we could help provide food and life-saving medical supplies to the most vulnerable, keep hospitals, maternity wards and safehouses open, and even help those most at risk reach safety. Chip in now -- 100% of the funds we raise will go to groups doing all they can to protect Afghan lives: [I'LL DONATE $2]( [I'LL DONATE $4]( [I'LL DONATE $8]( [I'LL DONATE $16]( [I'LL DONATE $32]( [OTHER AMOUNT]( The people of Afghanistan have been through more than most of us could ever imagine. Whole generations have been trapped in senseless wars and foreign invasion, kids born into conflict, refugee camps, or under brutally repressive rule. But many have fought for their most basic of rights -- the right for girls to go to school, women to go to work, and for all to live free from abuse. And now, they’re terrified they've been abandoned, and fear a Taliban government could see them lose everything they've poured blood, sweat, and tears into trying to build. It's not just foreign troops pulling out. Big donors have also frozen funds. But humanitarian aid, already desperately needed before the insurgency, is now absolutely critical to support the most vulnerable inside the country, providing urgent shelter from the Taliban, and getting Afghans to safety. That’s where we come in. If enough of us chip in today, we can: - fund groups delivering food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to vulnerable communities and those displaced; - support local refugee responses in neighbouring countries and elsewhere welcoming thousands of refugees; - keep hospital units and maternity wards open offering medical assistance in sometimes hard to access areas; - support organisations offering legal assistance with asylum applications and other protection pathways; - help local women’s groups organising an escape route, and setting up safehouses for women and girls in danger. Let’s stand with all those Afghans fearful for their lives. They urgently need solidarity from people all across the globe. Let’s not let them down -- chip in now: [I'LL DONATE $2]( [I'LL DONATE $4]( [I'LL DONATE $8]( [I'LL DONATE $16]( [I'LL DONATE $32]( [OTHER AMOUNT]( This community has come together in so many moments of crisis and supported those on the frontlines, at risk of losing their lives. Whether it’s getting urgent food and medical supplies to vulnerable and forgotten communities during Covid-19, providing life-saving support to those caught up in conflicts in Yemen, or standing with Maasai communities facing hunger, we’ve refused to look away. Let’s stand with Afghanistan today. With hope and gratitude, Sarah, Marigona, John, Mouhamad, Adela, Aloys, Will, Bert and the entire Avaaz team PS. This might be your first donation to our movement ever. But what a first donation! Did you know that Avaaz relies entirely on small donations from members like you? That's why we're fully independent, nimble and effective. Join the over 1 million people who've donated to make Avaaz a real force for good in the world. Note: The situation in Afghanistan is highly unstable, requiring groups to constantly reassess their operations and timelines. If we can't use the money we raise to help Afghans because of that, we'll be in touch with other options for repurposing those funds or offer you a refund. More information: - [‘Please pray for me’: female reporter being hunted by the Taliban tells her story]((The Guardian) - [Afghanistan: Taliban say August 31 deadline for troop withdrawals a 'red line']( - [How the Taliban stormed across Afghanistan in ten days]( (BBC) - [Afghans cling to moving US Air Force jet in desperate bid to flee]( (AL-Jazeera) - [U.S. on alert for more attacks, death toll rises from Kabul airport carnage]( (Reuters) Avaaz is a 65-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. 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