Written evidence from Afghan Solidarity Coalition (ASC), UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and SecurityHub
The Afghan Solidarity Coalition (ASC), comprising UK and international partners including the UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub, submitted evidence on the Afghanistan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). The ASC has supported the evacuation and resettlement of at-risk Afghan human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, and LGBTQI+ activists.
Key concerns raised include the ACRS’s continued closure, lack of transparency, and failure to facilitate safe travel or adequately prioritise vulnerable groups. The scheme’s referral-only model excludes direct applications and does not reflect the cultural realities of Afghan families. Misinformation has led to exploitation, particularly of women.
The ASC calls for the immediate implementation of a gender-responsive, culturally aware ACRS. It recommends the creation of a Central Implementation Group, involving Afghan civil society, to ensure effective coordination, risk assessment, and support for those facing persecution based on gender, ethnicity, or sexuality.
Submitted by Dr Neelam Raina, Middlesex University London, November 2021.