Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, safeguarding children and adults is shaped by a fragile legal framework, ongoing humanitarian challenges, and deeply rooted cultural norms. While laws such as the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the Child Protection Law have been enacted, enforcement is inconsistent and often constrained by political instability, conflict, and limited institutional infrastructure. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, protections for women and girls have been significantly weakened, with restrictions on education, movement, and public participation. Common safeguarding concerns include child marriage, domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and lack of access to justice. Afghan students in the UK may come from environments where reporting abuse is discouraged due to fear, stigma, or loyalty to family or community, and may need additional support in understanding and trusting UK safeguarding systems.

Mental health in Afghanistan is a significant but often overlooked public health issue, exacerbated by decades of war, poverty, and displacement. Psychological trauma is widespread, yet cultural attitudes and limited services mean that mental illness is rarely discussed openly. Mental health is often misunderstood or associated with spiritual causes, and seeking professional help may be seen as shameful or unnecessary. Most mental health support in Afghanistan comes from NGOs and humanitarian agencies, with very few trained professionals available across the country. Afghan students in the UK may carry unaddressed trauma or emotional stress but may be unfamiliar with counselling services or hesitant to access them. UK university professionals can support these students by offering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care, and by clearly communicating that mental health services are confidential, supportive, and a normal part of student wellbeing. Building trust, promoting inclusivity, and connecting students with peer support can be especially valuable.