The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) remains deeply concerned for the safety of staff, and their families at the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) with the current situation in Afghanistan.

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are mandated by law to promote and protect the human rights in their countries and are staffed by human rights defenders. Due to the nature of this crucial work, we are concerned this exposes the staff, and their families, to heightened risk of persecution and targeted threats at the hands of the invading Taliban forces.

The AIHRC has been a member of the APF since 2005 and a pillar of human rights protection in the region. Despite many challenges and targeted attacks, they have remained fierce human rights advocates for the people of Afghanistan.

We therefore call upon the international community, the international human rights system and our fellow family of NHRIs across the globe to be a voice for our colleagues at the AIHRC. We ask that these defenders be protected, and if necessary, provided with visas and safe passage to ensure their safety and wellbeing.