SDLP MPs seek support for Afghanistan Human Rights Commission

You are viewing content from Q Mid Ulster 106. Would you like to make this your preferred location?
Claire Hanna

By Q Radio News

Social Democratic and Labour Party MPs Colum Eastwood and Claire Hanna have written to Foreign Secretary Dominic Rabb today appealing for urgent assistance for staff at the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) who are under threat following the Taliban’s takeover of the country.

Colum Eastwood and Claire Hanna have sought support for the 392 AIHRC staff whose work places them at immediate risk of attack.

Colum Eastwood MP has been speaking to Q Radio:

Mr Eastwood continued:

“The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission is a well known and highly esteemed human rights NGO operating under internationally recognised principles in the region. Their work has placed them at the front of efforts to combat systemic human rights abuses including recording instances of state violence against women and children as well as monitoring civilian murders during the recent conflict.

“Their work is diametrically opposed to the character and tactics of the Taliban and, as a result, they are in immediate danger. Today we have written to Foreign Secretary Dominic Rabb urging him to intervene and provide safe refuge for the Commission’s 392 staff, including 90 members of staff who have been identified as being at high or very high risk. 

“The British Government has a moral duty to act. The military withdrawal from Afghanistan has been a disaster and has placed human rights workers in immediate peril. Providing sanctuary to these people is of the utmost importance as they have been at the forefront of addressing Human Rights abuses across the state.”

 

Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play