Center for Constitutional Rights Responds to the Horrifying Situation in Afghanistan

The Center for Constitutional Rights expresses its profound sorrow and concern for the people of Afghanistan, who for generations have suffered the devastating consequences of continuing violence and war perpetuated by the U.S. and other nations--as well as by violent forces within their own country. The human rights and security of the Afghan people are paramount at this critical juncture. Throughout its 20 years in Afghanistan, the U.S. never prioritized the safety and dignity of Afghan civilians--it must do so today.

The Center for Constitutional Rights calls upon the U.S.--which can leverage vast amounts of public wealth on militarism and endless war--to do everything within its considerable power to offer refuge for the thousands of vulnerable Afghan people, including human rights defenders.

At the same time, as an organization that believes accountability is a necessary part of the work of breaking cycles of imperialism and violence, including those that have been wrought upon Afghanistan, the United States must be held to account for its record of incalculable violence and destruction. Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries carpeted by U.S. weapons were killed, injured or displaced. The devastating human cost was the direct result of political decisions made by liars, demagogues, and profiteers in the U.S. government and among military contractors.

We continue to call for accountability for U.S. officials responsible for a range of war crimes and crimes against humanity that we have fought against over the past 20 years and for the United States to support Afghans in their own efforts for justice and accountability, as we profoundly hope the vulnerable among the Afghanistan population are afforded protection, refuge, and respect for their human rights.