Three years of Taliban rule: A call to faith and action in Afghanistan

As we reflect on the third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, it is impossible to ignore the deepening humanitarian crisis that has gripped this nation.

Though Afghanistan has benefited from three years without armed conflict and fighting, there is a deepening humanitarian crisis (economic collapse, drought, floods, earthquakes, denial of rights of women and minority groups). A new generation of Afghans need a durable solution to the multiple challenges it faces and the legacy of conflict it has inherited. Amid this despair, we are reminded of the power of faith in action.

Cafod has been active in Afghanistan since the 1980s, and our dedication to building an inclusive, flourishing society remains unwavering.

Tony Blair told the Labour conference in October 2001: “To the Afghan people we make this commitment. We will not walk away as the outside world has done so many times before.” But the UK did walk away. Now we need the new government to step up and support those who were abandoned.

Faith-based organisations of all beliefs, like Cafod, continue to be beacons of hope, working tirelessly to support those who have been marginalised and silenced. Cafod believes Afghans themselves are best placed to provide this continued support through our partnership with them. They remind us that our faith calls us to stand with the oppressed, to offer more than prayers and to offer concrete support and advocacy as well.

Our commitment to Afghanistan is not merely a response to the immediate crisis, but a testament to the enduring belief in the dignity of every human being, regardless of the political or social climate.

The global faith community cannot turn a blind eye to Afghanistan’s suffering. Our response must be one of solidarity, compassion, and unwavering support. This is not the time for complacency or despair, but for renewed commitment to justice and peace. We must raise our voices for those who have been silenced and work tirelessly to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a forgotten tragedy.

As we mark this sombre anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of our faith that demand justice, mercy, and love for all, especially for those who suffer the most. Afghanistan’s future may seem bleak, but with faith and collective action, we can help restore hope and dignity to a people who deserve nothing less.

Grace How is Cafod’s Country Representative for Afghanistan.