Current events in Afghanistan and the impending humanitarian crisis with the likelihood of increased number of displaced people

Facing crisis and emergency levels of needed humanitarian assistance, Afghanistan’s needs have risen sharply because of conflict and COVID-19. Since the end of May 2021, the number of people internally displaced because of conflict and in need of immediate humanitarian aid has increased by 550,000, adding to the already 3.5 million internally displaced people before this year (1).

As future medical professionals, we are deeply concerned about the people of Afghanistan and the threat posed to their rights, safety, and ability to access health care. We support the World Health Organization’s call to ensure access to health care during this turbulent time (2-3). 

Many members of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association are descendants of refugees that have fled past conflict, famine, and poverty. Southeast Asian refugees represent one of the largest refugee communities to resettle in the United States after being forcefully displaced by war and its aftermath in the 1970s. While there are differences regarding the context of what’s happening in Afghanistan vs. Southeast Asia, the desire to pursue safety and opportunity are shared between both groups regardless of time and place (4-7).

We urge our government to take swift action to ensure the safety of refugees, including but not limited to: keeping borders open to those fleeing from violence and persecution, permitting permanent resettlement in the United States, and ensuring refugees feel safe and supported by ending the ongoing deportations of all undocumented immigrants regardless of country of origin (8-9).

APAMSA has long supported providing culturally and linguistically relevant resources, including but not limited to financial assistance and mental health support. Government and nonprofit entities, especially those involved in healthcare, must commit to Afghanistan refugees for years to come.

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on that fateful day. Let’s honor their memory by committing to being a country inclusive of diverse backgrounds committed toward building mutual respect and support that can resist hate and divisiveness in all of its forms.