A British couple in their 70s, who have dedicated their lives to education and humanitarian work in Afghanistan, were arrested by the Taliban earlier this month. Their children, now desperate for their release, are calling on the Taliban authorities to free Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who have been living in Afghanistan for 18 years.
Couple’s Background and Detention
Peter and Barbie Reynolds have long been active in Afghanistan, running Rebuild, a non-profit organization that offers education, training programs, and business support. Their work, especially focused on mothers and children, became even more critical after the Taliban re-established power in the country in 2021.
The couple, who had settled in the Nayak area of Bamiyan province, were detained by the Taliban earlier this month, along with an Afghan national and another foreigner. Despite living in the region for over two years and having Afghan identity cards, they were removed from their home and transported to Kabul.
A spokesperson for Rebuild confirmed the couple had been taken to Kabul and that 17 days had passed without any official updates on their whereabouts. The couple’s organization and children have urged the Taliban to release them, citing their longstanding commitment to Afghanistan and its people.
Children’s Appeal to Taliban Authorities
The Reynolds’ four children have addressed the Taliban authorities directly, appealing for their parents’ release. They emphasized that Peter and Barbie have been open and transparent about their work, always respecting local laws and customs. The children also noted that their parents chose to stay in Afghanistan after the fall of the Western-backed government, despite the challenges they faced.
“We kindly ask for the release of our father and mother so they can return to their work in teaching, training, and serving Afghanistan,” the children wrote in their letter to the Taliban. “This is the life they have chosen, and we know that they have always worked to help the Afghan people.”
The Reynolds’ children further stated that their parents had asked the British government to avoid intervening in their case. The Foreign Office in the UK, when contacted, declined to provide further details or comment on the situation.
Rebuild’s Mission in Afghanistan
Rebuild, the organization founded by the Reynolds couple, has been crucial in providing educational opportunities in Afghanistan. The programs run by Rebuild focus on training local businesses, government organizations, and NGOs, while also offering educational support to families, particularly mothers and children. The Taliban’s restrictive policies on women’s education have made these initiatives even more vital, as they strive to offer educational support to those in need.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Rebuild continues to advocate for the rights of women and children in Afghanistan, with a focus on education, which has been severely limited under Taliban rule. Many of the organization’s programs are designed to empower Afghan women, helping them to develop skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Concerns for Their Wellbeing
The prolonged detention of Peter and Barbie Reynolds has raised concerns for their safety and wellbeing. As time passes without clear information from the Taliban, both their family and the organization remain anxious. The international community, as well as human rights groups, have called for the immediate release of the couple, urging the Taliban to adhere to international norms regarding the treatment of foreigners.
While the couple’s children continue to await news, they remain hopeful that their parents will soon be released and able to resume their vital work in Afghanistan. “Our parents have always prioritized their mission in Afghanistan, and they only wish to continue their efforts to make a difference,” said their children in a statement.
No Updates from Afghan Authorities
As of now, no official updates have been released regarding the status of the Reynolds couple. Rebuild has expressed deep concern, noting that despite earlier searches of their home and the couple’s temporary return to Bamiyan after the first detainment, the situation has not improved. The family and organization are now pleading for transparency and communication from Taliban officials.
The Reynolds’ case has shed light on the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in Afghanistan, especially those focused on education and women’s rights. While the Taliban has promised to respect the rights of foreign nationals, incidents like these continue to raise serious concerns about the safety of individuals working in Afghanistan under their rule.
The Reynolds family continues to appeal to the Taliban for their release and safety, as well as for the protection of humanitarian workers operating in Afghanistan. As the days pass, the urgency grows for the Taliban to provide clarity on the situation and ensure that the rights of foreign nationals are respected.
For updates on this developing story, visit Daljoog News.