Afghanistan

Afghanistan is home to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with two-thirds of the population (28 million people) estimated to need aid in 2023.

Decades of conflict, poverty and displacement have forced families to flee their homes, and many have migrated to neighbouring countries in search of work. Those who remained have lost their livelihoods and struggle to provide food and basic medical care for their families. Afghanistan is the most repressive country in the world for women and most structures and mechanisms for supporting vulnerable women and children have been destroyed. The basic rights of women and children are being violated, and they are prohibited from working in many sectors, or attending secondary school and university. Poverty is the main driver of human trafficking in Afghanistan and women and children are at high risk of exploitation.

Our Projects

  • Forgotten no more (FNM)

    The Forgotten No More (FNM) program is a crucial initiative by Hagar aimed at providing comprehensive protection and quality essential services to vulnerable and displaced Afghan boys. This recovery program focuses on survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking in persons (TIP), as well as those at risk of falling victim to these atrocities, up to the age of 18. Through FNM, these boys receive access to vital resources such as psychosocial support, healthcare, family mediation, humanitarian aid, and most importantly, education. Hagar's mission is to empower these young survivors, ensuring they have the necessary tools to heal, grow, and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

  • Restoring Lives through Livelihood (RLL)

    The RLL project aims to empower women who have survived human trafficking, abuse, displacement, and extreme poverty. The project specifically focuses on women who have experienced sexual exploitation, abuse, gender-based violence, and human trafficking. It also targets women who lost their livelihoods due to government changes and those who are currently begging on the streets but have the capacity to work.

    Through the program, families will have the opportunity to earn a minimum monthly income of $100 USD, which can cover basic food expenses for a family of 8 and address some energy and clothing needs. This will be achieved by organizing the beneficiaries into tailoring cooperatives, implementing cash-for-work initiatives, and supporting them in establishing small businesses.

    The RLL project is dedicated to empowering women survivors and vulnerable individuals, enabling them to regain financial stability and improve their living conditions.

  • Girls Shelter

    The Girls' Shelter project is a vital initiative designed to provide comprehensive and life-changing services to the most vulnerable Afghan girls who have been victims of trafficking, slavery, and abuse. The shelter serves as a safe haven, offering crucial resources such as secure accommodation, nutritious food, medical care, access to education, legal support, counselling, and professional case management. Our primary focus is on girls under the age of 18 who have endured the horrors of trafficking. Through this project, we aim to empower these young survivors, nurturing their physical and emotional well-being, and supporting them on their journey to healing and reintegration into society. The Girls' Shelter serves as a beacon of hope, where these girls can find safety, protection, and the chance to reclaim their lives with dignity and purpose.

  • Child Friendly Spaces (CFS)

    Hagar Afghanistan has set up 12 Child Friendly Spaces (CFSs) in Kabul to cater to the most vulnerable children, both boys and girls, who have faced human trafficking, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or are at high risk of exploitation. These CFSs are strategically located in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps and other communities facing significant risks. Currently, 332 children (48.5% boys and 51.5% girls) are benefitting from the services provided by Hagar at these CFSs. Our focus is on providing comprehensive psychosocial support, which includes education, recreational activities, and trauma-informed care (TIC) programs, ensuring the empowerment and overall well-being of these resilient children.

  • Providing Psychosocial Support (PSS) for the Hagar Afghanistan Staff

    Providing Psychosocial Support (PSS) for the Hagar Afghanistan Staff program is dedicated to enhancing the resilience and capabilities of Hagar Afghanistan's employees, who work tirelessly with survivors of trafficking, slavery, and abuse. The primary objective is to empower the staff with trauma-informed care (TIC) skills, enabling them to integrate this crucial learning into their daily work. By equipping our staff with these essential tools, we create a supportive and empathetic work environment that cares for the needs of staff as they in turn work to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation.