FBA in Afghanistan

The protracted conflict in Afghanistan is having a profound impact on a population where over 70% are too young to have ever experienced peace. Although education levels have risen over time, literacy rates are among the lowest in the world.

During the twenty-year US-led military presence in Afghanistan, institutions of democracy, human rights and the rule of law were partially strengthened, but after the Taliban takeover, this progress risks being lost.

Many key members of the public administration have fled, the country's capacity to deliver public services is weak and over 90% of households lack sufficient food. In addition, over three million people are internally displaced.

The situation of Afghan women and girls is and has long been particularly vulnerable, characterised by systematic discrimination, abuse and limited opportunities for self determination. Their access to education is worse than men's, and only one in four Afghan women is literate. The Taliban has further increased discrimination against women and girls and restricted their freedom of expression.

FBA works in the following areas within the framework of Sweden's strategy for development cooperation with Afghanistan:

Dialogue and Peace Processes
Since 2019, FBA and Sida have worked jointly with peace-building support to Afghanistan. Since August 2022, the two public authorities jointly operate an EU project to support inclusive dialogues in Afghanistan - the EU Afghanistan Inclusive Dialogue Initiative (AIDI). The project aims to support the Afghan civil society in their plight, promote human rights and help empower citizens to influence their political and social surroundings.

Together with the Finnish CMI - Martti Ahtisaari peace foundation, FBA provides the secretariat for a major forum for Afghan women leaders, with the aim of enabling Afghan women to represent themselves in discussions and dialogues on the future of their country, women's rights and the situation of Afghan women.

Afghan Women Leaders Forum

Together with Sida, FBA also supports the Afghan civil society platform Voice of the Afghan people. The platform aims to create meeting places for the Afghan population to jointly formulate their priorities and needs. The platform also provides opportunities for civil society to communicate these priorities to the country's de facto rulers - the Taliban movement - to enable accountability. FBA provides ongoing support and advice to the secretariat managing the work of the platform.

FBA also works with other civil society organisations and representatives to promote strategic thinking and devise strategies for long-term survival as well as influencing on the country's development. The aim is to enhance the capacity of civil society, particularly women and women's rights organisations, to promote, and participate in, inclusive dialogues on governance, conflict resolution and peace-building.

Read more

Lessons from the Afghanistan Experience with Security Sector Reform 2001-2021

Homeland: Scenarios for the future of Afghan civil society

From Hubris to Irrelevance: The Demise of the Western State-building Project

Making the voices of the Afghan people heard in the peace talks between the Taliban and the government