The Afghans far away from home

In the days after the fall of the Afghan government and the Taliban's violent takeover of power, our team visited informal squats and tent settlements outside of the camps.

Human reaction to this sudden turn of events is firstly a shock, after which comes either crushing sadness or some kind of fearful optimism. This was so evident to us while talking to people during this visit.

People in the first group were devastated with regards to the situation in their country, but at the same time, they were hopeful that now the EU will take them seriously, as people who truly do not have where to go. Some of them have already heard that on the Hungarian border there are vehicles waiting for them to transfer them to different EU countries. It is very uncomfortable, to put it mildly, to say to these people that these rumors are not true, having in mind that for years they and their families are living the trauma of political violence happening in their home country. We would all like to see the EU taking greater responsibility in tackling refugees’ status, however, this is still not happening.

While in this group there was a feeling of renewed optimism, the second group talked to us about the sorrow and anger they were feeling towards the new situation in Afghanistan. During previous visits, people from this group would always tell us that nothing (unsuccessful “Games”, police brutality, lack of adequate accommodation, food, and water) can break their spirit, resilience, and hope that new life is possible for them. Now, the majority of them were crying and lamented for their country and families. Many of them reached out to alcohol and medication. Some of them reached out to self-harm, cutting their hands and arms in order to relieve the psychological pain. People were shouting about how Western countries left them stranded. No one was asking about what can they expect after they cross the border, or if they can get any support in Serbia. The initial shock was too overwhelming for them.

We firmly believe that the situation in Afghanistan must not be perceived differently than the situation in Syria and that the EU should provide support and find sustainable solutions for all people fleeing countries of permanent war and turmoil. Otherwise, the EU will hypocritically breach its own founding principles.