REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution in Support of People in Afghanistan
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
The United States government signed a peace agreement with the Afghan Taliban in February 2020, ahead of a proposed withdrawal of US troops. In April 2021, President Biden announced that U.S. military forces would leave Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. Subsequently, the Taliban, ramped up attacks on Afghan National Defense and Security Forces bases and outposts. On August 15, Taliban fighters entered the capital, leading Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country and the Afghan government to collapse. The United States is in the process of evacuating troops and personnel along with US nationals and some Afghans who worked with the US during the 20-year conflict.
The Taliban has a history of being a repressive regime with gross human rights violations based on their strict interpretation of Islamic law. They are accused of violating the social and economic rights of women and girls by prohibiting girls from obtaining an education, preventing women from working, restricting women’s every movement, and condoning violent punishments for any perceived transgressions. The Taliban takeover of the country could once again turn Afghanistan into a terrorist safe haven putting in danger women, children, journalists, media workers, civil rights activists, and Afghans who worked with the US.
The Bay Area has a large Afghan-American community that is deeply concerned for their loved ones in Afghanistan. We have seen images of an influx of desperate people at the Kabul airport trying to flee Afghanistan out of fear for their safety.
In line with our Statement on City Values and Public Service, the City believes that civil servants must serve the needs of all community members with respect, professionalism, dignity, and fair and equitable treatment, regardless of race, religion, ancestry, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Government should serve all members of the public with courtesy, impartiality, fairness and equality.
This resolution states the City’s support of civil rights and peace for Afghan people and the humanitarian efforts being organized around the world to support Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban regime. It also calls on all leaders to join us in condemning human rights abuses and violence against women, girls, journalists, media workers, civil rights activists, and Afghans who worked with the United States in Afghanistan.
EXISTING POLICY
None
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt a Resolution in Support of People in Afghanistan.
2. Adopt a Resolution in Support of People in Afghanistan, with modifications.
3. Do not adopt a Resolution in Support of People in Afghanistan.
4. Take another action as directed by Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff makes no recommendation.
Staff
Prepared by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution