Tribune. While identity tensions poison the public debate, the citizen enthusiasm observed in recent days to welcome Afghan families leaves one wondering: thousands of people say they are ready to open their doors, tens of thousands of others gather clothes, food and others. back-to-school supplies.
This momentum must be used by public authorities to show that solidarity and openness are preferable to fear and withdrawal. What if we sang the praises of solidarity, instead of comforting the suspicious? Because everything shows, today, that solidarity and commitment are a lever for popular mobilization. In each theater, concert, exhibition hall, we meet this public which confirms this enthusiasm and its desire to show a united nation.
We, French artists, appeal to the French government to encourage this citizen mobilization, and to come to the aid, by all the means at its disposal, diplomatic and logistical in particular, to Afghan artists in danger. Like journalists, translators, Afghan citizens who have helped France and Europe, cultural workers in Afghanistan are directly threatened.
Urgent and necessary international protection
Even before the Taliban took power, cultural workers took serious risks in describing the experiences and voicing the aspirations of Afghans, with the encouragement – and often direct support – of the US government and the coalition. Today, many of our peers see no choice but to leave the country. Whether or not they can leave, we call for the protection by France of all those who have dedicated themselves to the promotion of freedom of expression and civil society in Afghanistan.
We call on the government, in order to save lives and deliver on promises made to Afghan allies, colleagues and friends, to take immediate action to facilitate expedited visa processing and grant asylum to all vulnerable Afghans, starting with the women. The sheer nature of the Taliban regime makes this international protection urgent and necessary.
We call on the governments of all nations to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan refugees by providing them with asylum and assistance. By taking into consideration their talents and their diversity, to make them an asset for their host society.
The means to live together in peace
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