New Delhi: While Afghanistan nationals grapple to find a secure place to settle in, Airbnb, a nonprofit organization, announced that it will provide temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees across the world. As per the press release from Airbnb, the organization will closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to ensure refugees reach wherever they need to go.
“As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives. For these 20,000 refugees, I hope that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over but also a warm welcome home,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and co-founder.
Airbnb sources also said that the organization gave emergency funding to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and others to provide temporary stay on an emergency basis for about 1,000 Afghan refugees arriving in the US. In the last week, Airbnb enabled safe housing of 165 refugees after their arrival.
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“As the IRC helps to welcome and resettle Afghans in the U.S., accessible housing is urgently needed and essential. We are grateful to our partners at Airbnb.org and Airbnb for once again offering their support and infrastructure to meet this moment, providing safe and welcoming places for individuals and families as they arrive in the United States and begin rebuilding their lives,” said David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.
Fund for the help during the humanitarian crisis is arranged through contributions to Airbnb.org from Airbnb and Brian Chesky, as well as donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund. The creation of a $25 million refugee fund was also announced by the organization, earlier in 2021.
Further, the press release said Airbnb connected approximately 25,000 refugees – including hundreds participating in the US Special Immigrant Visa Program – to temporary housing in past four years.
The Taliban entered the Afghan capital on August 15 and proclaimed victory over the government after months of violence.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country after the Taliban's take over and he is reportedly in UAE. The 20-year-old US's campaign in the country came to end and tensions escalated in the country.
