The Open Society Foundations has announced the launch of a $10 million emergency fund to expand immediate protection opportunities and assist Afghan citizens fleeing the Taliban advance.

The Afghanistan Emergency Humanitarian Fund will help sponsor humanitarian parole programs in the United States and bolster international relief organizations in their efforts to support Afghan citizens. In addition, the fund will aid other efforts to deliver humanitarian relief to internally displaced Afghans as well as those fleeing to other countries.

"The Open Society Foundations have long worked in Afghanistan to promote human rights, culture, and freedom of expression," said OSF president Mark Malloch-Brown. "We remain deeply committed to Afghans and their efforts to help the country advance toward a more open society. We call on funders to join us in our response to this urgent humanitarian crisis. There is truly not a moment to waste."

(Photo credit: Open Society Foundations)