Afghanistan one year on – those who left and those who were left behind.

It is more than a year now since the sudden and frightening takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban. The memory of parents trying to put their children over the fences at Kabul airport into the hands of strangers and others climbing onto the wings of departing aircraft is still fresh on many minds.

People trying to cling to a US Air Force plane appearing to depart Kabul's airport.

Some were fortunate to make it out of the country. Many of those who escaped, though grateful for the opportunity to make a new life in a safe and free country such as Australia, have mixed feelings about having to leave friends and loved ones behind.

You Belong is helping refugees from middle eastern war zones, including Afghans, to settle in Australia, deal with their trauma and feel accepted in a new and vastly different environment.

Despite all that has transpired some have returned to their homeland, their patriotic spirits stronger than the risks they face. Life for most Afghans looks dramatically different to what things were like when the US backed government was in power.

Although the economy has collapsed, the country is in the midst of it’s worst drought in living memory and 95% of households are experiencing food insecurity, the new government saw it fit to celebrate the first anniversary of their takeover with military parades, a public holiday and fireworks. While the Taliban lauds their achievements and urge the rest of the world to recognise their government as legitimate, there is another side to the coin.

According to the UNHCR, 700,000 Afghans were newly displaced within the country last year, adding to the millions who had fled previously. The situation has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of many humanitarian organisations and suspension in funding. There are two million Afghan refugees living in camps in Iran and Pakistan

The Taliban government has reinstated strict rules around the movement and rights of women who are now only permitted to leave their homes in the company of a male relative. They are gradually being forced out of the workforce. Most provinces have banned formal education for girls, shattering their dreams for a better future. The new government is winding back all that was gained for women’s rights and returning the country to one where they are severely restricted and controlled.

Reportedly, around 6,500 people have successfully reached Australia from Afghanistan since 18 August, 2021. Many more have applied for humanitarian program visas. Australia’s humanitarian program provides 13,750 places per year for Afghans with an additional 16,500 places over the next four years.

You Belong has welcomed and supported Afghan refugees who have settled in south east Queensland. Many young Afghans have wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities their new country offers and are now making significant and positive contributions to their communities.

Rahila and Mahsa are two such young women and you can hear their stories on these videos:

Mahsa’s guest podcast

Rahila’s guest podcast