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EmailThe SAFAR Programme is a humanitarian aid and resettlement support project dedicated to providing much needed emergency services to LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan.
In 2021, after the takeover of government in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Stonewall worked with a group of agencies to evacuate LGBTQ+ people. Stonewall then partnered with ILGA Asia to operationalise support to LGBTQ+ people living in Afghanistan through our SAFAR programme.
LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan faces threat of violence, discrimination and institutional persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Taliban, having imposed harsh restrictions on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, underscored the grave situation left for minorities by re-introducing the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which enforces punishments against LGBTQ+ people and women.
I can’t go back because homosexuality is a crime in Afghanistan and carries the death penalty.”
SAFAR programme participant who has been resettled
What does SAFAR aim to do?
SAFAR aims to provide impactful support to LGBTQ+ people facing crisis in Afghanistan. Through grant funding, LGBTQ+ people at risk of violence and persecution are accessing:
Financial aid - we provide cash directly to LGBTQ people in need.
Psychosocial support - working with partners, we provide remote psycho-support services to affected people. This service provides pastoral care and ensures people are equipped to care for themselves during crisis.
Resettlement support - we help people to find resettlement in safe countries that protect LGBTQ+ people. The programme also provides dedicated support to LBT+ women who are at risk of experiencing gender-based violence. LBT+ women can access additional safety guidance and tech-based support such as safely accessing remote assistance via phone.
SAFAR also aims to use the knowledge and experience gained through the programme to build the capacity of other humanitarian agencies to respond to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ people in crisis zones.
Governments and organisations should help LGBTQ people financially but also help improve their mental health.
SAFAR programme participant
How we work
Stonewall works closely with ILGA Asia to deliver the SAFAR programme. SAFAR also leverages a network of humanitarian organisations to ensure services are delivered safely to affected people.
Stonewall and ILGA Asia’s expert casework team provide 1-to-1 support for people affected using our bespoke and secure case management system, developed in collaboration with Intalio.
The programme also uses experience and evidence from the frontline to advocate to governments and international bodies for support for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers.
You can view ILGA Asia’s work here.