Plan International Australia statement on blasts at Kabul airport and ongoing humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan

In response to the recent blasts at Kabul airport and ongoing humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan, Plan International Australia CEO Susanne Legena said today:

“Plan International offers its deepest condolences to all the families affected by the senseless multiple bomb blasts at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.”

“Plan International is horrified and outraged and strongly condemns the senseless attacks at the airport which reportedly killed and injured many men, women and children.”

“Afghanistan continues to be one of the most dangerous places for children, including girls. We call on all parties to ensure all civilians, especially children, are protected at all times.”

“We also call upon all parties involved to ensure safety and protection for children, especially girls, strengthen efforts to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of almost 10 million children in Afghanistan and adhere to International Humanitarian Law.”

In addition, Plan International Australia has called on the Australian government to:

– Increase Australia’s humanitarian intake to 20,000 visas for those most at risk from the Taliban

– Grant permanent protection to all people from Afghanistan in Australia and in offshore detention centres on bridging visas and temporary protection visas;

– Make immediate arrangements to bring the families of refugees from Afghanistan to Australia.

​​Plan International is not operational in Afghanistan, but as an organisation committed to supporting the advancement of the rights of children and equality for girls, we urge respect for human rights of all, particularly girls and women, and freedom for everyone to participate in the economic, social and political life of the country.

We call on the international community to act in solidarity with the girls and women in Afghanistan. This requires upholding all international obligations, including guaranteeing asylum to those in need of such protections, with priority to children, girls and youth or vulnerable women and promoters of human rights.

For further comment please contact Plan International Australia media and ambassador manager James Norman on 0451291775 or media and public relations advisor Claire Knox on 0452326549