Christian Aid Isle of Man is holding an emergency collection to help aid the humanitarian response in the wake of Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban.

The local charity is calling for support for those displaced by the conflict, continued humanitarian access to the country and protection of humanitarian workers, and the protection of the rights of women and girls.

At the same time, Christian Aid is calling on people to support those affected by this weekend’s major earthquake in Haiti, which has seen over 1,000 people dead and many still trapped within the rubble. The charity explained that their faith-based associations should not cause issues for their continued operation in Afghanistan, as they do not draw attention to it and have worked there under several regimes in the past - including the Taliban in the mid-1990s in Herat.

Speaking about the situation in the country, charity coordinator Louise Whitelegg said: ’It has made me pause and think that I take so much for granted living here [in the island], as thousands of Afghan men, women and children fear for their lives.

’I am heartbroken by the impending tragic and fickle situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan’.

She said that while she understands that people here may be reluctant to donate, she believes that with the rights that we enjoy here in the island that we are in a position to help those less fortunate to enjoy those very same human rights.

Around 550,000 people have so far been displaced by the conflict in Afghanistan.

Country manager Subrata De said: ’Christian Aid has been working in Afghanistan for 30 years and we will not desert now. We’re doing all we can to continue distributions emergency supplies to the most affected.’

A prayer vigil and collection is being held today (Thursday) from 4 and 8pm at Trinity Methodist Church in Douglas.

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