The time to act is now.

As the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan, several organisations have raised a number of concerns over the human rights violations of the Afghan people. There is particular concern for the rights and safety of women and girls in the country, as many fear the Taliban will strip them of their freedom. Earlier this week activist and education advocate Malala Yousafzai shared that she is "deeply worried about women, minorities and human rights advocates" in Afghanistan. She said: "We watch in complete shock as Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. Global, regional and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect refugees and civilians." In some regions, there have been reports that women have been banned from attending university or leaving the house. While the situation feels desperate, there are a number of actionable steps we can take right now.

1. Donate to humanitarian aid

So many groups are working on the ground to help the people of Afghanistan. Below are a selection that you can donate to right now. The UN Refugee Agency Concern Worldwide Unicef Afghanistan Emergency Doctors Without Borders Donor Direct Action (Humanitarian Assistance for the Women and Children of Afghanistan) Visions for Children (Urgent Relief for Afghanistan)

2. Write to the Taoiseach

12 Irish organisations in Ireland have already put together a letter calling on Micheál Martin and members of government to lead the response to the Afghanistan crisis. Among other things, the letter urges the Irish government to help resettle more Afghan refugees, to increase the number of humanitarian admission visas and to help ensure that the Afghan people have access to the international protection process in Ireland. To download the letter, cimply click right here.

3. Sign a petition

As well as calling on our own government to take action, there are several global petitions you can add your name to. Amnesty International, for instance, have a live petition calling for the protection of Afghanistan's human rights defenders, and that is available to sign right here. You can also add your name to this petition, which calls to raise awareness of the mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Iran.