Afghanistan & Central Asian Association

EU Legislative Interests

Four years after the fall of Kabul and the Taliban’s return to power, Afghan women and girls continue to endure one of the world’s most severe gender-based restrictions. The Taliban’s systematic exclusion of women from public life — including bans on education, employment, and freedom of movement — has left an entire generation in limbo. These restrictions not only violate international human rights norms, but also significantly undermine the social and economic development of Afghanistan, particularly for vulnerable groups such as widows, internally displaced persons, and female-headed households. In this context, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), an Afghan-led charity based in the UK, targets EU policies relating to Afghanistan’s future, particularly in the areas of foreign policy, gender equality, humanitarian aid, and education. Our advocacy focuses on supporting and strengthening the EU’s existing frameworks, while calling for greater coordination, implementation, and accountability. Key legislative proposals and policy instruments relevant to our work include: The EU Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action (GAP III), which outlines the EU’s commitment to advancing gender equality globally and provides an essential policy tool to champion the rights of Afghan women. The EU’s Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, particularly its objectives on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and human rights promotion in fragile states such as Afghanistan. The EU Refugee Resettlement and Asylum Programmes, which are critical to supporting Afghan refugees in the EU and those at risk within neighbouring countries. Diplomatic Dialogues and the EU’s role in multilateral fora (e.g., the UN, G7, and regional platforms), where the EU can exert pressure on the Taliban de facto authorities to restore rights for women and uphold international obligations. The Digital Education Action Plan, which could support access to remote education for Afghan girls and women who are banned from attending schools and universities inside Afghanistan. While these frameworks offer a promising basis, the ACAA believes they must now be backed by increased resourcing, political will, and innovative implementation strategies. In particular, the EU should: Expand funding for grassroots organisations supporting Afghan women, both in exile and within Afghanistan, to ensure services such as online education, legal assistance, and livelihoods support continue to reach those in need. Promote flexible aid models that bypass the Taliban and channel support through trusted local and diaspora-led civil society organisations. Strengthen asylum and resettlement pathways for Afghan women at risk, especially those facing gender-based violence or who were previously employed in EU-supported development or media projects. Increase diplomatic pressure through targeted sanctions, conditional aid, and coordination with global partners to push for the restoration of women's rights and inclusion in public life. The ACAA calls on the EU to remain steadfast in its commitment to Afghan women. Without education, legal recognition, or the ability to work, they are being erased from their own country. EU policies must not only condemn this regression but actively counter it — with funding, platforms, and protection for those resisting gender apartheid both inside and outside Afghanistan.

Communication Activities

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) has consistently prioritised strategic communications and public engagement as core components of its advocacy and service delivery. In line with the EU’s external action priorities—particularly in the fields of gender equality, refugee protection, digital education, and human rights—the ACAA actively undertakes a broad range of communication activities to raise awareness, influence public discourse, and build alliances. Our communications strategy includes: 1. Media Engagement and Public Commentary The ACAA regularly publishes op-eds and commentary in leading British national newspapers such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Independent, providing analysis and first-hand perspectives on refugee rights, women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, and European and international policy responses. These publications are designed to inform and influence public and policy debates and are increasingly geared towards a European audience. We plan to expand our commentary into EU-based publications and forums, targeting outlets and platforms that reach policymakers and civil society across the continent. 2. Events and Advocacy Campaigns The ACAA hosts high-level panel discussions, roundtables, and community events across the UK, featuring MPs, EU officials, academics, and frontline practitioners. These events have focused on the impact of the Taliban’s gender apartheid, pathways to education for displaced women, and the future of EU-Afghan relations. Our recent campaign—HerAlly—mobilised women across Europe in solidarity with Afghan women banned from education and public life. As part of our expansion, we are building partnerships with diaspora communities and women’s organisations across the EU to co-host events in key cities such as Brussels, Berlin, and Paris. 3. Petitions and Digital Campaigns ACAA runs targeted online campaigns that raise awareness and call for policy change, particularly around EU asylum systems, humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, and women’s rights. These campaigns often include petitions directed at EU institutions and public calls for increased refugee resettlement, funding for education, and the recognition of gender apartheid as a human rights violation. Through social media channels, especially Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, the ACAA reaches a wide and engaged audience of policymakers, diaspora communities, and human rights advocates across Europe. 4. Educational Outreach and Workshops Our volunteer-led network delivers workshops and seminars on refugee and migrant rights, civic participation, legal frameworks, and EU-wide protections. These sessions have recently included topics such as the digital education divide among refugee populations, the implications of AI in migration management, child safeguarding, and understanding voting rights in diaspora communities. As the EU continues to develop frameworks around digital education (e.g., the EU Digital Education Action Plan), the ACAA is exploring how these policies can better serve Afghan girls and displaced learners in exile. 5. Publications and Research Outputs The ACAA is developing a series of briefing papers and digital resources that analyse the impact of EU foreign aid policy on Afghan women and refugees. These are intended for EU policymakers, think tanks, and INGOs. Our forthcoming research includes an analysis of how EU gender equality frameworks—such as the Gender Action Plan (GAP III)—can be operationalised in the Afghan context without legitimising the Taliban regime. 6. Partnership-Building and Cross-Border Solidarity Our communications also extend to relationship-building with European universities, refugee-led organisations, and human rights NGOs. Through collaborative projects, such as our Afghan women’s leadership programme and cross-border diaspora forums, we aim to foster deeper alignment with EU civil society actors working on migration, women’s rights, and foreign policy. Th

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

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