Faith communities in Afghanistan. Free to live without fear.

Join the campaign.

You’re not forgotten.

This is the message we want to send to faith and belief communities in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban takeover three years ago, members of faith and belief communities who have remained in Afghanistan have lived with the threat of dire consequences if they practise their faith or beliefs openly.

They live with the daily threat of violence, many fearing death if they openly express their beliefs. And they have no one to protect them.

We want the UK government to play its part in helping to bring an end to the harassment, discrimination and targeted attacks on vulnerable religious and belief minorities. Add your name to our open letter to the Foreign Secretary.

Together, we can show faith communities at risk that they haven't been forgotten.

I want faith and belief communities in Afghanistan to be able to live without fear.

View the full petition text

To:

Subject:

Dear Foreign Secretary

Afghanistan is becoming increasingly dangerous for religious, sectarian and ethnic minorities, with the situation escalating to levels which necessitate the urgent attention of the international community.

We are particularly concerned about the plight of faith and belief communities who are at particular risk. Since the Taliban takeover there has been a resurgence in violence.

We, the undersigned, therefore respectfully request that through its ongoing dialogue with the de facto authorities of Afghanistan, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office use every available opportunity and diplomatic avenue to guarantee the promotion and protection of the right to freedom or religion or belief  (FoRB) in Afghanistan.

We urge the UK Government to:
•	Establish clear criteria for diplomatic recognition of the de facto authorities, that includes demonstrable commitments to international humanitarian and human rights law, including FoRB.
•	Use diplomatic dialogue to bring an end to harassment, discrimination and targeted attacks on vulnerable groups, including women, and religious and belief minorities.
•	Formulate effective measures to hold the Taliban to its expressed commitments to inclusivity and non-retaliation, including calling for an independent UN investigative mechanism to closely monitor the human rights situation, with a focus on prevention, evidence collection and accountability.
•	Urge the Taliban to end the targeted violence against religious minorities, and to respect and protect freedom of religion or belief and all religious and cultural heritage.

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CSW - everyone free to believe

Faith communities in Afghanistan. Free to live without fear.

Join the campaign.

#2 CSW manifesto