Collins, Klobuchar Urge Biden Administration to Prioritize Resources for Afghan Women Refugees

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to prioritize resources to meet the needs of women refugees who have been evacuated from Afghanistan.

“The United States has worked for the past 20 years to help educate, empower, and support women in business ventures, political roles, and other social opportunities in Afghanistan,” the Senators wrote. “Those leading the evacuation efforts must consider how women’s livelihoods, health, employment, and social participation have been impacted by leaving their homes.”

“We must ensure that women and girls have access to the resources they need. This includes providing obstetrician services to pregnant women, psychosocial support to help women process trauma and the change in their circumstance, child medical and educational care, mitigation procedures for sexual assault and financial predation, and help with family reunification,” the Senators continued.

“In order to live up to our commitment to support Afghan refugees, we must offer significant focus to women’s needs in the evacuation and relocation process,” the Senators concluded. “We look forward to working with you to help women evacuees relocate safely and with the support they need.”

Click HERE to read the full letter.

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