CAMPAIGNING FOR AND SUPPORTING AFGHAN FORMER INTERPRETERS & OTHER LOCALLY EMPLOYED CIVILIANS EMPLOYED BY THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES
The Sulha Alliance CIO has worked with and for Afghan interpreters and other Locally Engaged Civilians (LECs) for years, both campaigning for their protection through resettlement to the UK from Afghanistan and supporting them building their lives in the UK.
Read our responses to policy changes on our Media Engagement page or follow us on Twitter.
Our vision is for a comprehensive solution that encompasses:
providing sanctuary for former interpreters under threat
welcoming former interpreters and their families to the UK
recognising their service and supporting their integration into British society
Read also our Written Evidence to the Defence Select Committee on the Withdrawal from Afghanistan (October 2021).
Background
British military involvement in Afghanistan relied on the support of 7000 Locally Employed Civilians (LECs), who worked as interpreters, guards and in other capacities to support the mission.
LECs associated with international military forces, especially interpreters, have long been a priority target for the Taliban, as recognised by the UK Home Office, the European Asylum Suport Office and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since the Taliban take-over of Afghanistan in August 2021, their lives are even more at risk.