LET THEM IN

Last week, Switzerland became the fourth country to grant asylum to Afghan women and children automatically. This development comes years after the religious extremist group - the Taliban - regained control in Afghanistan and increased repression against women. Since their return to power, women and children have suffered systemic oppression and “gender apartheid,” as described by the activist Malala Yousafzai. Switzerland took this bold step after its court concluded that “a self-determined life for women and girls in Afghanistan is not possible under the current regime .”Other countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland have taken similar measures as they also understand the situation’s severity. 

This action by the Swiss government will help improve the lot of Afghan women. According to the UN, Afghanistan has about 6.4 million refugees seeking asylum globally. About 48 percent of them are women and girls. Therefore, the new measure by the Swiss government will positively impact the lives of these women and girls.

"Afghanistan is the world’s most repressive country for women" – United Nations

Girls Across Borders (GAB) - an organization that connects girls for societal impact and positive change - is concerned about the global challenges refugees face. GAB congratulates the Swiss government on this humane action towards the refugees. It encourages other governments to create similar programs.

Several countries are facing similar hardships and should receive similar support. The “Freedom of the World Index” shows a ranking of countries in terms of their political rights and civil liberty. Developed countries can provide similar support to women from the bottom ten countries on the list. These “Not Free” countries include South Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Eritrea, North Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Belarus.  

GAB advocates that developed countries should grant automatic asylum to women and children who can escape the harsh conditions in these ten countries in search of a better life. If they arrive at your borders, please let them in.