More than 100 former translators have urged the UK not to abandon them, as they live in fear the Taliban will hunt them down. The Afghan translators, who served with the British military, say they are in grave danger as a direct result of aiding British troops during 13 years of conflict.
In a letter to be handed into the British embassy in Kabul today, the translators plead for sanctuary in the UK.
The letter, entitled “Interpreters’ Lives Matter”, warns of the dangers that those “who risked their lives and futures to help the British” face.
Over 100 men have signed the letter and say they are stuck in Afghanistan.
It will be handed in by five former interpreters in Kabul, and also sent to Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
The men urge the UK Government to “pay attention” to the threats they face on a daily basis.
The translators fear they will be hunted down by the Taliban because of their “devoted service to the UK”.
Their families also face persecution.
They warn the political group are a real and imminent threat to their lives, as peace talks have resulted in the release of thousands of gunmen.
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“Now many of us are forced to live with fear of attack, blamed by the Taliban and insurgents for the deaths or imprisonment of their colleagues.
“We receive death threats, our families have become targets, people will not employ us, our own communities have turned against us and we are forced to give up our family lands and move home many times.”
Those stuck in Afghanistan fear they are now at greater risk after a recent peace deal backed by the US gives power and influence back to the military group.
The letter states: “Thousands of Taliban prisoners, who we helped fight and send to jail, are being released.
“They told us we were traitors and they would never forget.
“Are you now telling us it is safe to live side-by-side with them?”
The Government has come under increased pressure in recent months to resettle Afghan interpreters in the UK.
An official spokesperson said: “We remain committed to ensuring a fair system for the resettlement of Afghan interpreters.
“Claims are being processed as rapidly as possible.”