MEPs point to EU's "moral responsibility" towards Afghan collaborators

A group of MEPs warned the European Union on Tuesday that humanitarian action in Afghanistan now has "priority above all else" and said the bloc has a "moral responsibility" to locals who have worked for EU, NATO and other international organisations.

"We urgently call on all parties to ensure and facilitate the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans wishing to leave the country. Departure through Kabul airport must be ensured by all means," said the chairmen of the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees and the chair of Parliament's delegation for relations with Afghanistan.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the three MEPs urged "those in positions of power and authority in Afghanistan" not to use violence and to respect basic human rights and international humanitarian law, "as well as the achievements of the last 20 years in the areas of women's and girls' rights, the right to education, health care and social and economic development".

They also deplored what they considered a "precipitous withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country without a basis for conditions" and the "shocking collapse" of Afghan institutions and security forces.

"The EU, together with other partners, must urgently address the humanitarian crisis in the country and in the region, caused by conflict, displacement, food insecurity, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is in our own interest to avoid another migration crisis," said MEPs, who warned that "Russia and China will quickly try to fill the political vacuum".

"In particular, Pakistan, Iran and India should be urged to play a constructive role in Afghanistan," they suggested.