Esquerra makes pledge to encourage refugee reception and asylum, and to defend human rights, especially of Afghan women and girls

Esquerra Republicana strongly condemns the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban militants. We also regret that the years of intervention by the international coalition in that country have been futile in preventing the collapse of its institutions, and in laying the foundations for a better future for its people.

Esquerra Republicana therefore urges the international institutions, authorities and actors to press for the utmost respect for human rights by the Taliban regime and not allow the country to turn back into a sanctuary for international terrorism, making fulfilment of these conditions requisite for all trade and economic relations. For Esquerra, this must be especially zealously observed for Afghan women and girls given the very likely erosion of their rights and the history of terrible breaches of rights and violence imposed by the Taliban.

“The European Union needs to coordinate a joint response and must welcome refugees from Afghanistan, observing international asylum law,” said Esquerra MEP and Secretary for International Affairs Jordi Solé, pointing out that it is important to welcome “very specially women and children, human rights defenders and members of minorities.” He added that “this must be done by establishing, among other things, humanitarian corridors and mandatory quotas for member states.” Mr Solé accordingly rejects the EU’s system of economic arrangements with countries bordering Afghanistan to “contain refugees there, as has been done with Turkey and the Syrian refugees.”

Esquerra thus calls on the international coalition and the EU to support both politically and materially all Afghan forces and groups striving for an open, inclusive and democratic society and who are working for the country’s social and economic development, whether within the country or from abroad.

The European Union needs to coordinate a joint response and must welcome refugees from Afghanistan, observing international asylum law

Jordi Solé

Spain formed part of NATO’s occupation forces for 20 years, spending an estimated 3.5 billion euros and sending over 27,000 troops. However, it has recognized but a tiny number Afghan asylum seekers over the years while the war was being waged, and carrying out repatriations that are yet to cease.

Esquerra Republicana therefore urges the Spanish government to take an active part in the joint European response, firmly committing to the reception of refugees and providing asylum, while refusing to recognize the new Taliban government if it does not show an active commitment to human rights, in particular regarding to the rights and freedoms of women, LGBTI+ groups and minorities. Esquerra also demands management of the funds assigned for political asylum and refuge.

For its part, Esquerra Republicana pledges in all areas of representation, including government action in the various Catalan institutions, to defend and foster:

1. Reception and asylum for refugees from Afghanistan.
2. A European border policy prioritizing human rights and in compliance with international agreements.
3. Action for development cooperation with members of the Afghan people who promote a socially just, inclusive and fully democratic society, while also respecting the sovereignty of the people of Afghanistan.
4. International networks supporting human rights, both general and sectoral – ensuring collective rights, including those of journalists, lawyers, medal staff, artists, writers, scientists, etc.
5. International support, reception and asylum networks specific to Afghan women and girls, before the more than likely and imminent violation of their rights and freedoms.