The MU Expresses Deep Concern For The Situation in Afghanistan

We are deeply concerned about the situation unfolding in Afghanistan and the impact on musicians, music teachers and students, and in particular women and children in the music community there.

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl commented on the MU’s planned course of action:

“We have heard some concerning reports via members and are liaising with relevant UK and international organisations to offer support, solidarity and explore potential ways we can help practically or through lobbying efforts.”

The TUC have written a letter calling for the UK Government to provide safe, specific, and legal routes to safety for those who are facing the risk of persecution or attack in Afghanistan. This includes ensuring safe and specific routes to asylum in the UK. You can read the letter on the TUC’s website.

A petition calling for help for Afghan music instructors whose lives are in danger has been started on Change dot org.

Ways you can help now

Here are some good resources for advice and guidance on ways you can help:

• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR UK) have advice on different ways that you can offer support.
• If you might be able to offer temporary shelter to a child, family or individual in your home, find out more about Room for Refugees community housing network
• NACCOM is a national network of over 140 frontline organisations and charities across the UK, working together to end destitution amongst people seeking asylum, refugees and other migrants, find out more and donate to support their work.
• Refugees at Home are taking applications from potential hosts, home visitors and other volunteers, as well as donations to support their work. Find out more on their website.
• The Refugee Council website lists information on Community Sponsorship (Yorkshire and the Humber) and renting a home to refugees (London), you can also donate to support their work, and find out more about getting involved in their campaign.
• Find out how you can help in Wales on the Welsh Refugee Council website.
• Find out how you can help in Scotland on the Scottish Refugee Council website.
• GiveOut's emergency Afghanistan appeal is calling for donations to support Rainbow Railroad in their urgent work to help LGBTQ+ Afghans at risk. Find out more and donate.