Children from Afghanistan need our protection!

On the occasion of World Children's Day on September 20, the children's rights organization Terre des Hommes is drawing attention to the endangerment of children and young people in Afghanistan and emphasizing Germany's responsibility to protect them. The newly published report, "They Don't See Us as Human Beings – Why Children from Afghanistan Are Fleeing to Germany," provides information on the current child rights situation in Afghanistan and gives voice to children and young people from Afghanistan who have had to seek protection in Germany.

For example, Najib*, now eighteen years old, speaks about the Taliban's forced recruitment of young people in his hometown: "Everyone knew what that meant: They force you to work for them, as a fighter, or worse – they abuse and rape you." Chakawak*, now nineteen years old, on the other hand, fled from forced marriage to a Taliban, which her own father wanted to force her into: "He said I was a disgrace to the family and to all women in Afghanistan. Because I disobey the Taliban. Because I want to live freely."

Joshua Hofert, spokesperson for the board of Terre des Hommes , commented: "With the Taliban's renewed takeover of power in 2021, the situation in the country has dramatically worsened, especially for children and young people. The report clearly shows why children are forced to flee Afghanistan. But instead of providing assistance in the face of this reality, as originally promised, the German government is largely halting admission programs for particularly vulnerable people from Afghanistan. Even families with admission promises from Germany are currently waiting desperately in Pakistan; some have already been deported to Afghanistan. This is absolutely cynical and inhumane, considering what children, young people, and adults have to endure in Afghanistan." 

The young people's stories demonstrate how important safe escape routes, such as reception programs or family reunification, are for children and young people in light of the massive dangers in Afghanistan. "Instead of negotiating with the Taliban about deportations to Afghanistan, the German government should advocate for fair asylum procedures and consider the specific reasons children seek to flee. We demand safe escape routes to Germany so that children can enjoy lasting protection and participate in society," Hofert said.

The report “They Don’t See Us as Human Beings – Why Children from Afghanistan Are Fleeing to Germany” is available for download as a bound brochure.