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New Delhi: Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky announced on Tuesday that the online accommodation platform will welcome 20,000 Afghan refugees free of charge to its accommodations around the world.
In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Chesky said his company would fund stays for Afghan refugees. However, no time limit has been given on how long these accommodations will be provided.
Starting today, Airbnb will begin hosting 20,000 Afghan refugees around the world free of charge.
– Brian Chesky (@bchesky) August 24, 2021
In his tweet, he also thanked Airbnb hosts for their “generosity” and said the company was working closely with NGOs and partner organizations to implement the program.
“The displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States and elsewhere is one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. We feel responsible to step up, ”Chesky said.
Social media split over ad
The Airbnb chief’s announcement sparked a surge of support as well as questions and criticism on social media.
Sherilyn Ifill, chair of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, a United States-based civil rights organization, was among those who praised Chesky and Airbnb.
Well done @Airbnb. https://t.co/AJXzp0sSSB
– Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) August 24, 2021
Duty to Warn, an organization of mental health professionals, also supported the movement.
Airbnb provides free temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees. This is the America we know and love. May she live long
– Duty to warn 🔉 (@ duty2warn) August 24, 2021
However, several others questioned the details of Chesky’s refugee housing plan or outright condemned Airbnb.
Financial TimeSan Francisco correspondent Dave Lee inquired about the length of the Airbnb stay for the refugees.
For how long?
– Dave Lee (@DaveLeeFT) August 24, 2021
Some social media users also criticized the move, calling it a publicity stunt.
Sorry but Airbnb doesn’t SHIT
These are the owners of the properties Airbnb enjoys operating and takes credit for their hard work and generosity.
A typical deceptive Airbnb headline.
– Starlight Jones (@starlight_jones) August 24, 2021
Vague details, as always with #Airbnbthe charitable efforts of.
“Chesky did not specify how long the refugees would be housed, or how long the company would fund their stay. The company did not immediately respond to a request from CNN Business for more information.”
– Airbnb whistleblower (@ Susan17Airbnb) August 24, 2021
A refugee crisis arose in Afghanistan in light of the Taliban’s return to political power and the withdrawal of US forces.
More than 50,000 Afghans and foreign nationals based in Afghanistan have been evacuated from the country following the withdrawal of the United States and the takeover by the Taliban, according to Al Jazeera.
Read also : Afghan Sikhs, Hindus and 3 copies of Guru Granth Sahib who arrived in India from Kabul
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