Emotional turmoil for Defence Force staff worried for their stranded Afghan allies
Friday, 20 August 2021
The Defence Force (NZDF) says it has not stopped its staff from trying to help friends they worked alongside in Afghanistan, and that it understands the “sadness and concern” felt by those watching the distressing events unfold.
Thousands are waiting to be airlifted from Kabul, with a mercy flight from New Zealand with 80 Defence Force staff on its way to the Middle East. An emergency evacuation list with 37 Afghan allies and their families is the source of stress for many Afghan refugees in New Zealand and Afghanistan, who are trying desperately to find out who is approved for rescue.
On Friday, Stuff reported the NZDF had sent a message to staff telling them not to seek information or support for Afghans who they’d worked alongside in the country.
The email, viewed by Stuff, said: “Various units have had contact from previously employed LECs [locally employed civilians] or persons who know someone who was a LEC in Afghan.”
NZDF personnel working on the evacuation mission were “not to provide any advice, support or formal correspondence to any person seeking residency, refugee status or future employment in New Zealand.
“In all circumstances any person seeking advice … are to be directed to the Immigration New Zealand website.”
**READ MORE:
* Reports of deaths amid chaotic scenes at Kabul airport as people flee the Taliban in Afghanistan
* Second Afghan interpreter left 'to die' in Afghanistan
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A spokesman for the NZDF said this did not mean they were telling people to stop trying to help.
“Our people have … been advised that the best way to help is to direct those who approach them to the MFAT website which contains full information about eligibility for evacuation and, importantly, the MFAT contact details so that they can deal directly with those best able to consider their case.”
The instructions given to those on Operation Kokako were “standard,” and given to all NZDF personnel serving overseas, the spokesman said.
Events in Afghanistan had left an impact on Defence Force staff.
“Many have voiced concerns for the people with whom they made bonds and who helped NZDF during its deployment.
“We are conscious of the effect current events can have on our people and have offered the full range of support that the NZDF can offer to those who need it.
This included the Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short urging colleagues and commanders of those who served in Afghanistan to connect with those who had left the army.
“Afghanistan was and remains an important part of NZDF’s history. Our people went there to help. The New Zealand Defence Force is proud of its service in Afghanistan. Recent events do not diminish that service.”
But Stuff has been contacted by those with links to the conflict who said they felt the message reflected the NZDF telling people to stop seeking information about Afghan friends.
“They sent a s….. email to everyone in defence,” the source said.
“There’s no acknowledgement that people are hurting. They’re telling NZDF staff not to seek knowledge or advice or anything about their friends. Everyone is really worried about people they worked with in Afghanistan.”
More than 3500 Kiwi soldiers served in Afghanistan, with ten people losing their lives there.
The C-130 Hercules sent by New Zealand on Thursday will be part of a coalition air bridge assisting with the evacuation of New Zealanders and others from Afghanistan to other airports in the Middle East, with a possibility of several flights.