Afghanistan is entering a new political reality based on the U.S. withdrawal. The international community must step up to ensure the safe and ethical continuation of democracy by the Afghan government.

At stake are tens of thousands of Afghan lives. Men and women who supported the past two decades of state-building face retribution from terrorist elements, including but not limited to the Taliban. Afghanistan is becoming a haven for worldwide terrorist organizations, drawing the worst of the worst from the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Translators and interpreters who directly supported military operations, in addition to the many private sector Afghan personnel are at risk. These are people who worked for the stability operations industry, the international development sector, and for the member companies of the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA).

Many ISOA member companies have made the decision to stay in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal. They are determined to honor their commitments in country and the hopes and sacrifices of their Afghan staff and partners over the past 20 years.

Since 2001, the Afghan people have been building their nation’s infrastructure, in addition to clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from decades of warfare. They have been educating women and youth and doing everything possible to transform Afghanistan into a modern state, including remarkable efforts to develop the telecommunications and energy industries.

The Afghan people have risked their lives for two decades supporting Western ideals of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Yet today, they potentially face a far greater risk than ever before in recent history.

It is imperative that the international community work together to protect those Afghan individuals and their families who now find themselves at risk for working with us. We need to find a way to relocate them to safer environments, ideally with Special Immigrant Visas and work permits.

ISOA applauds Western governments actively assisting Afghan workers and their families facing potential retribution in Afghanistan. We also urge governments, NGOs, and our own member companies to do everything in their power to assist past and present employees, along with their families, to be relocated out of harm’s way.

ISOA has taken the lead in providing a voice for Afghans and their supporters to the U.S. Congress. We have taken an active role in this regard by meeting with senior officials from the Department of Defense, Department of State, along with members of Congress and their staffs to ensure our Afghan brothers and sisters are not left behind when they need us most. Join us and add your voice in support for Afghan workers and their families who have loyally served for more than two decades alongside U.S. military and private sector forces.