Yesterday, my daughter Haris came out as transgender.
I’ve never been prouder of her. She has taught our family so much about bravery and truth.
I know this process was painful for her. She is sober to the cruelty trans people are subjected to. But she is strong and undaunted.
Today marks 20 years since the publication of The Kite Runner. I am so proud to announce the publication of this special edition to commemorate its anniversary.
The American decision has been made. And the nightmare Afghans feared is unfolding before our eyes. We cannot abandon a people that have searched forty years for peace. Afghan women must not be made to languish again behind locked doors & pulled curtains.
#PrayforAfghanistan
President Biden failed to answer the fundamental question. What will America do about Afghanistan’s looming humanitarian crisis? Who will protect the men, women, and children left behind?
After the fall of Saigon, the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act allowed 130,000 refugees from South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to enter the United States under a special status. The same should be done for Afghan refugees today.
“We do not count because we were born in Afghanistan . . . We’ll die slowly in history.” I am heartbroken. The women & girls of Afghanistan have been abandoned. What of their dreams, hopes? The rights they have fought two decades for?
#PrayforAfghanistan
I’m thinking today of the victims of the devastating earthquake in western Afghanistan. Over 2,000 people have died, many have lost home and livelihood and the toll of this catastrophe is sure to rise. My condolences go out to the families of the victims.
The Taliban’s ban on university education for women is a disaster. Stripping Afghan women of their rights will inflict generational damage to Afghan society.
The Israeli bombing of the Jabalia refugee camp is horrific and unacceptable. Thousands, many children, are dead in Gaza and the numbers are likely to climb. It is past time for a ceasefire, so that humanitarian aid and relief can reach Palestinians trapped inside Gaza.
Important: as the Taliban sweep continues, the # of displaced Afghans will only rise. Since May, over 300,000 have fled home. They need food, shelter, emergency relief. Please consider donating to
@refugees
to help Afghan families displaced by violence:
Taliban accused these men of theft, their faces were colored with black color - to embarrass them and were paraded in Herat city after the Friday prayers.
As Pakistan deports undocumented Afghans, I am worried about the children who face abuse, exploitation, & violence. Their future in Afghanistan, which many have never seen and where almost 30M need aid, is grim. Vulnerable Afghans must not be returned to unsafe conditions.
The Taliban have backtracked on their promise to open high schools for girls. Afghan girls must not be denied their fundamental right to education. Depriving young woman of education is another crippling blow to Afghanistan’s already shaky future.
WATCH: President Trump says that he could win the 18-year Afghan War in 10 days, because he has plans that could wipe Afghanistan off the face of the Earth and kill 10,000,000 people, but "I don't want to go that route."
I am outraged by the bombing of the Al Ahli Hospital. An immediate ceasefire is essential. In the meantime the Israeli government must establish a corridor for safe passage of Palestinian civilizans & delivery of relief. The world must not turn its back on those trapped in Gaza.
'Oh, but if they saw, my darling. Even half of what you have. If only they saw. They would say kinder things, surely.'
Watch me read an excerpt from my new short illustrated book, 'Sea Prayer.’
@BloomsburyBooks
Another black day in Kabul. An ambulance packed with explosives to slaughter innocents is a new low for the Taliban, who prove themselves yet again enemies of the Afghan people. I pray for the wounded & the families of those killed in this senseless & brutal act of violence.
A happy Valentine's Day to my beautiful wife Roya, in whom grace, wisdom, and kindness has found such shining expression. Thank you for your love and guidance, sweetheart.
By banning women from working for NGOs, the Taliban have further marginalized Afghan women. Already stripped of many rights, Afghan women will now have even less direct access to basic goods and services. This is a cruel policy.
Today I am reflecting on the needs of my brothers & sisters in Afghanistan, needs that grow more severe by the day.
Millions with malnutrition and a lack of shelter. Restricted rights & education for women and girls. The global community must give
@Refugees
their full support.
Not being able to return home is part of my life story too.
“Sea Prayer” is dedicated to all those who have been forced to flee around the world and I am honored it is part of this
#WorldBookDay
@NYPL
@Refugees
book list:
Have been so moved and inspired by the peace march in Afghanistan and the calls for an end to violence. Afghanistan is a nation of young people bursting with potential. They deserve the chance to realize their dreams.
Honored to have taken part in the
#WomensMarch2018
here in San Jose, and to stand in solidarity with the millions of women who are fighting for justice and equality around our nation and the world.
So hugely proud of my son,
@HarisHosseini
, for winning 1st place in Oratory at the Glenbrooks Tournament in Chicago! Hard work - the key to all success. Well done Haris! ❤️
Yesterday marked the 38-year anniversary of my coming to the United States as a refugee.
I spent it with
@latenightseth
, discussing the global refugee crisis, SEA PRAYER (which is out today!) and more.
Watch:
A happy birthday to my son,
@HarisHosseini
, who turns 17 today. I love you, Haris. Thank you for being a beautiful son, friend, and confidante. You have made me happier and prouder than I can say. May the world be kind to you always.
For more than 4 decades, Afghans have been forced to flee from their homes. They need sustained peace, which is much more than the absence of war.
#Afghanistan2020
@Refugees
Just 24% of refugee children are enrolled in secondary education. In Uganda, I met some of those lucky enough to be in school; their resilience and intelligence was inspiring. Young
@refugees
everywhere deserve to learn, gain skills, and build brighter futures.
#WithRefugees
For
#IWD2022
, I'm joining
@Refugees
in paying tribute to refugee women like Aisha.
I met Aisha as a single mother caring for five children, including Mercy, a semi-paralysed girl, abandoned by her parents, who she selflessly fostered.
Let's honour Aisha and all women today.
#Ramadan
Kareem. Remembering the
@refugees
I met in Italy & Lebanon who I shared meals and stories with.
Their strength continues to inspire me today. That's why I'm asking you to support UNHCR and
#BeTheLight
that helps all refugees look to better futures.
#WithRefugees
#Eid
So enormously proud of my son
@HarisHosseini
for coming in third in Oratory on the big stage at the
@speechanddebate
National Tournament in Fort Lauderdale. I appreciate your hard work and many sacrifices, Haris. Keep at it. I love you.
@riverheadbooks
The Kite Runner is deeply special to me. It changed my life, but more importantly, it helped readers of all races and cultures develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of Afghan life. That is my lasting reward.
I don't normally reply to online rumors, but given that this involves authorship and publication, I want to address it: I've recently seen my name mentioned in regards to the withdrawal of a book that was to be published by Bloomsbury India. (1/3)
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. On this day, I am thankful for the countless human souls around the world who stand in solidarity for the rights of the persecuted, the forgotten, the underprivileged. May their efforts win the day.
I join millions of other voices in denouncing the terrorist attacks on Muslim worshippers in New Zealand.
Be it there or elsewhere, this is yet another grim reminder that senseless violent acts like these achieve nothing of value, only pain and grief.
Let 2018 be a time to reflect on all that we share as citizens of this planet. Let the new year bring fresh hope for peace and justice in the world. Happy New Year, everyone.
On the ground this week in both Lebanon & Italy with
@refugees
, meeting with refugees who have shared with me harrowing stories of sacrifice and struggle.
Each of their journeys are testaments to how vital it is that we collectively continue to stand
#WithRefugees
.
This past June I traveled to Lebanon and Sicily w/
@Refugees
to meet with refugee families, some of whom had crossed the Mediterranean to flee violence and persecution.
Below is the
@guardian
piece I wrote about the trip.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit western Afghanistan on Saturday has destroyed villages & resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 people, with countless more injured.
@tkhf
will be issuing emergency aid of $50,000. Join us in these relief efforts.
This
#ValentinesDay
, meet Um Murad, whose home in Syria was destroyed and her husband left paralysed.
Rather than let the war break her, she became a matchmaker, preparing 700+ brides in Zaatari
@refugees
camp for their special day; now that’s spreading the love.
Have spent a few days in & around Catania, Italy, meeting with refugees and hearing their stories. As always, I am in awe of their strength & resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
@refugees
#WithRefugees
Photos by
@harishosseini
My work with the UN
@Refugees
Agency has taught me many things. Among them is that climate change is already having an impact on global displacement.
For those who flee.
For the planet.
For everyone.
We must take
#ClimateAction
8 yrs since the start of conflict in Syria.
Today I’m thinking of Payman & all those displaced inside Syria &
@refugees
in neighbouring countries. They still need our help. Please support
@Refugees
today.
#WithRefugees
I applaud Congress for sending additional funds to Refugee Resettlement agencies, and for securing the same entitlements to Afghans arriving in the U.S through humanitarian parole as refugees. This was critically needed legislation.
I’m heartbroken seeing the devastation caused by the Beirut explosions. UNHCR is on the ground supporting Lebanese and
@refugees
families. Please donate what you can:
Believe it or not - when I was growing up, I wanted to be a goalkeeper. It’s hopes and dreams like those that
@refugees
children like Razan take when they flee their homes.
They need support to achieve their potential. Help here:
#WhenIGrowUp
@RedHourBen
After fleeing violence in 2021, displaced families in Afghanistan are facing dire conditions this winter. Share your warmth & donate now to provide shelter, food and emergency aid to the most vulnerable and help them survive during the coldest months
I know what it’s like to flee home. But to do so in the middle of a pandemic seems unimaginable. Ahead of
#WorldRefugeeDay
, I'm thinking of
@refugees
I've met who are more vulnerable than ever.
Everyone can help make a difference. Every action counts:
So horrified by the ruthless attack yesterday in Kabul. Condolences to the families of the two brave journalists Samim Faramarz and Ramiz Ahmadi who lost their lives in the attack. We need peace in Afghanistan.
The number of refugees and migrants reaching Europe last year dropped - but the dangers they face on the way have increased. Join me in standing in solidarity with those making
#DesperateJourneys
.
@Refugeesnew
report →
#WithRefugees
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is back in San Francisco until July 29th at the beautiful
@ACTSanFrancisco
!
You won't want to miss this show.
Tickets here: , photo by Jim Cox
Every refugee story is different. But one thing always stays the same.
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and whenever you might be forced to flee, everyone has the right to seek safety.
#WorldRefugeeDay
@Refugees
Every person has the right to say
#IBelong
.
Proud to support UNHCR as they continue to fight for the rights of stateless people and
@refugees
around the world.
I highly recommend you read Defiant Dreams by
@malainakapoor
& Sola Mahfouz, the extraordinary story of a young Afghan woman’s fight for education in Taliban-run Afghanistan. There are millions of Afghan women like Sola Mahfouz whose basic rights must be protected.
This
#WorldChildrensDay
, let's remember that over half of all
#refugees
and displaced persons around the world are children.
@Refugees
is helping children seek asylum and restore their futures. Support them here:
I’ve met
@refugees
all over the world forced to flee because of conflict & violence.
Not being able to return home is part of my life story too.
In
#AwakeAtNight
I talk to
@melissarfleming
about my own experience & how it’s impacted my life & writing:
The beautiful game knows no borders ⚽ 🙌
After fleeing to Iran from Afghanistan 23 years ago, sports coach and
#NansenAward
regional winner Rozma founded the Youth Initiative Fund to help young kids back to school.