Content warning: Violence, Gender-based violence, Sexual-based violence, murder, violations of human rights. 

The OCAD Students Union would like to extend our condolences and support to our Afghan community. Through our commitment to equity, social justice, and anti-oppression, we will continue to directly address issues of oppression, spread awareness, and advocate for anti-war movements.  

As of August 14th, 2021, Kabul, Afghanistan, has been taken over by the Taliban regime after the departure of US troops. For decades, people in Afghanistan have suffered human rights violations and continue to seek safety from the Islamist militant group that was feigned upon them. This matter has continued to escalate into a situation where people are struggling to flee the country and gain access to safety.

Due to this, Afghani individuals are battling for their freedom, their human rights and their livelihoods. Women and children are being forced into marriage, to give up their education, and their rights. 

The OCAD Students Union would like to extend our condolences and support to our Afghan community. Through our commitment to equity, social justice, and anti-oppression, we will continue to directly address issues of oppression, spread awareness, and advocate for anti-war movements.  

We strongly encourage the OCAD community to access resources we have compiled, including educational materials for individuals looking to educate themselves on the ongoing Afghanistan crisis, and a list of organizations for those wanting to further support the Afghani community or students looking for assistance. The resource list can be accessed here.

We ask the OCAD community to continue to educate themselves on Afghanistan, to seek out the support they need, and to always keep learning to be a better ally.