On Aug. 31, President Biden withdrew all U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The move marked the end of the nation’s longest war, but tens of thousands of individuals are now trying to flee Taliban rule. An estimated 18,000 Afghans have helped U.S. forces, advocated for human rights or worked with U.S. government-supported programs in some way, according to the Women’s Refugee Commission. These people are now fearing for their lives.

Vice President of External Relations, Gayatri Patel, is leading the organization’s response on Afghanistan. The main role of WRC is advocacy.

“We understand that there are women who won’t be able to be evacuated and women who are actively choosing to stay in Afghanistan,” Patel said. “As an organization, we can continue to bring attention to what they’re facing and hold people accountable.” 

Patel has personally passed along around 50 names, which she said just shows to scale how much work needs to be done to get these people to safety.

“The process has been so chaotic, we don’t know the fate of some of these people,” Patel said. “That’s what keeps me awake at night.”

 The WRC is accepting tax-deductible donations on their website as well as encouraging individuals to reach out to members of Congress. 

Patel has seen firsthand a network of people come together that are doing everything they can to help offer relief to groups in Afghanistan.

“It’s been encouraging to see people come from all over working around the clock.” Patel said. I couldn’t be more thankful for that collaboration.”