An Urgent Appeal in Support of Afghan Judges & Lawyers

Last Tuesday evening, we hosted an online fundraising event to support the IBAHRI in their efforts. This included talks from key individuals including Judge Fawzia, Helena Kennedy QC, Bill Browder and Naina Patel.

Woman judges, lawyers, and prosecutors, especially those who were involved in the trials of Taliban fighters, are at risk in Afghanistan. Now that prisoners are being released, including those who they put in jail, they live with a constant target on their backs. Many of them have been receiving threats and had to go into hiding. The situation of women judges was dire even before the Taliban takeover. For example, in early 2021, two women judges working for the Supreme Court have been shot dead. The August 2021 takeover was the end of women holding such important positions. 

Recording of the online event

This is now available to view on the Client Area of our website. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to create an account.

Financial Donations  

IBAHRI currently pays for all-round-assistance to the families, with costs at approximately €100k per week. Donations are invited via:

• Gofundme for donations under £500
• Bank transfer to The George Fund for donations over £500: 'The George Fund', Sort code: 15-99-00, Account number: 40037130

Other ways to help

1. Consider the provision of or signposting to assistance in kind in the form of offers of accommodation, scholarship or employment opportunities
2. Consider assistance with advocacy to Governments around the world regarding the offering of resettlement opportunities
3. Consider the provision of pro bono legal assistance to those still in need: Barristers can contact Advocate and ask about Project Afghanistan; Solicitors can contact IBAHRI who are liaising with various firms to try and help coordinate assistance.

If you would like to help but are not sure how, please contact Emily Foale or Ewelina Ochab at the IBAHRI who can discuss with you how you might fit in.