Refugee Congress Deeply Concerned by Kabul Airport Attack, Calls on Biden Administration to Prioritize Safe Evacuation

Refugee Congress Deeply Concerned by Kabul Airport Attack, Calls on Biden Administration to Prioritize Safe Evacuation

For Immediate Release: August 27, 2021

WASHINGTON--Refugee Congress is deeply saddened by the horrific terrorist attack on the Kabul Airport yesterday that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans fleeing to safety.

As an organization built and led by former refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants who fled violence, unsafe conditions and persecution, we are devastated to watch the events unfolding in Afghanistan. We mourn for the U.S. service members and Afghan civilians killed in the attack and extend our condolences to their family members.

For months, we have called on the Biden administration to plan for and ensure safety for Afghan refugees, but not enough has been done to facilitate the safe evacuation of Afghans and Americans in need.

“We are failing our allies, and the danger grows worse with each passing moment. There is no deadline by which we absolve ourselves of our moral obligation to help Afghans at risk get to safety. This administration must take action immediately to keep our promises and provide protection for those at risk,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress.

The U.S. has not fulfilled its promise to provide safety and protection. Until everyone in need is evacuated, we must keep the evacuation going and find new ways to ensure protection given the security concerns we are witnessing. We continue to call on the Biden administration to act swiftly to ensure safe pathways for Afghans and U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.

MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org