ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Center for Victims of Torture™ (CVT) today issued this statement in response to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and resulting humanitarian crisis.

We are deeply saddened by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan. For decades, CVT has worked around the world to restore the hope and heal the wounds of war and persecution, and we know the wounds from these events will be deep. As part of our commitment to ensuring that all receive the healing care that they need and deserve, we urge both the United States and the international community to act quickly to safely evacuate and provide protection to Afghans at risk of reprisal and persecution, including women’s rights activists, human rights defenders, media members, Special Immigrant Visa candidates, and many others.

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with offices in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, D.C.; and healing initiatives in Africa and the Middle East. Visit cvt.org