Internally displaced Afghan families, who fled from Kunduz, Takhar and Baghlan province due to battles between Taliban and Afghan security forces, sit in front of their temporary tents at Sara-e-Shamali in Kabul on August 11, 2021.
CNN  — 

The refugee crisis in Afghanistan is growing as the Taliban take over the country. Since the start of this year, 550,000 Afghans were forced to flee their homes due to internal fighting, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Now, tens of thousands more are trying to leave the country as many Afghans, especially women and children, fear a resumption of Islamic fundamentalism under the Taliban.

Others, including interpreters who helped the US Military fight the Taliban, fear retribution. Afghan journalists who have been covering the war are also at particularly high risk. You can help these refugees through non-profits providing protection, shelter, water and health care both in Afghanistan and elsewhere. CNN’s Impact Your World has compiled a list of vetted organizations accepting donations. Click the button below to contribute:

If you are a family member or friend of someone trying to flee Afghanistan –or need help yourself, the International Refugee Assistance Project has legal resources to help with visas and other information. If you are currently in Afghanistan, please check the U.S. Embassy website regularly for information about relocation and repatriation.