My name is Leonie O'Dowd, I am a psychotherapist living in Dublin, Ireland.

A young couple in Kabul are at severe risk from Taliban and are in hiding - they are artists and designers, from ethnic minorities targeted by Taliban, & have worked for a UN humanitarian organisation. One is also a film maker, targeted - he has survived one direct attempt on his life - for an award winnng film he made exposing human rights abuses in Afghanistan.

This couple hope to obtain an invitation to do further study in Europe, but they cannot wait any longer in Kabul where they are in ongoing danger. Having received visas for Pakistan they intend to go there as soon as possible, and wait for their onward visas in safety.

Having been in hiding since August they have exhausted their own resources. This fundraiser is to raise the costs of their journey, and to support their living costs for several months in Pakistan while they await permission to go to Europe. For security reasons their names are not included here, but will be supplied on a confidebtial basis to gofundme administrators.

Their dear friend is now living in Dublin, having very recently escaped from Kabul herself, where she also was at risk. She was a beneficiary of the now closed Irish visa waiver scheme for Afghans in danger. She is staying with me, and will soon study for a Masters programme. She is anxious to see her friends reach safety as soon as possible.

Please donate if you can. If not, please share this fundraiser and help to save this brave young couple.

If anyone wants further information, please contact me.

Thank you.'