Afghan diaspora in London gather to mark two year anniversary of Taliban takeover

Dozens of members of London’s Afghan community gathered in Westminster today to mark the sombre two year anniversary since the Taliban took over their homeland.

Around 60 members and supporters of the Afghan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) gathered in Parliament Square in a peaceful demonstration to urge the government to focus on humanitarian aid and to not forget about Afghanistan.

The ACAA, established by a family of former Afghan refugees, provides support for Afghans and Central Asians living away from their homeland.

The charity offers English classes, employment workshops, a women’s support group, a Saturday school and homework club and youth and family support services.

On August 15, 2021 the Taliban took over the city of Kabul and claimed victory in Afghanistan after almost 20 years of a US-led coalition leading the country.

Over the last two years the Taliban have excluded Afghan women and girls from all aspects of public life - banning them from parks, gyms, funfairs, secondary schools, universities, and more.

Women must wear the burqa at all times, and they cannot leave the house without a male escort or chaperone.

Today in Parliament Square, around a dozen children stood in solidarity with Afghan girls who have been banned from school.

A few held signs reading: “For Afghan girls” and “Free Afghanistan.”

Rabia Nasimi, whose family founded the ACAA, posted a photo of her grandmother holding a placard outside Parliament.

She wrote: “My gran who couldn’t attend school herself but understands the power of education for girls in Afghanistan.

“Standing in front of Parliament, her placard reads ‘work, education, freedom’—a reminder that education can transform lives and shape a brighter future.”

Speaking at the event Dr Nasimi MBE, founder of the ACAA said: “Millions of girls are not allowed to go to school in the 21st century.

“Millions of people are displaced, having migrated to neighbouring countries, so Pakistan and Iran are also facing human rights abuses.

“At the same time we have witnessed how the British people were so hospitable and supported thousands of people in 2021.

“Great Britain was the first country in the world to accommodate over 26,000 people in 2021.

“But of course there are many challenges those people are still facing including family unification, housing and integrating into the mainstream services.

“Today we are here to ask the British public for continued support.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “It’s been two years since thousands of people were evacuated from Afghanistan.

“London stands with Afghan families still trying to rebuild their lives and I continue to call for long-term settled accommodation as the government closes hotel accommodation.

“City Hall is working to deliver up to 630 affordable homes for Ukrainians and Afghans, providing families with stability after fleeing conflict and persecution.”