Community Safety
Diaspora Protection Desk
The first door to knock on when something goes wrong abroad. We listen, explain your options and walk you to the right service.
Many Afghans abroad do not lack services. They lack someone who can tell them which service, in their own language, without judgement and without first asking about their papers. That is the Desk. It is run by trained volunteers of AYPFRS with the help of diaspora lawyers, City Diplomats and partner organisations. We do not replace lawyers, social workers or the police. We make sure you reach them, and that you understand what they tell you.
How we decide what comes first
| Level | Examples | What we do | First reply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent | Detention, a deportation deadline, violence, exploitation, a missing person | Point you to emergency services, find a lawyer or specialised service, stay in contact | Within 24 hours |
| Important | An asylum interview, a negative decision, loss of housing, a family reunification file | Explain the procedure, prepare your questions, connect you to legal aid or an NGO | Within 3 working days |
| Guidance | School, language courses, diploma recognition, work, everyday paperwork | Information and a contact person, often your City Diplomat or a mentor | Within 5 working days |
What the Desk can and cannot do
- Listen in your language
- Explain letters and procedures in plain words
- Find free legal aid, specialised services and community support in your city
- Accompany you, online or in person where a City Diplomat is available
- Follow up until you are actually connected
- Give formal legal advice or represent you
- Give money, housing or documents
- Change a court or asylum decision
- Contact any authority about you without your consent
What happens after you write
Use the form below. A first name is enough.
We agree with you how urgent it is.
Your options explained, and one concrete next step.
We introduce you to the lawyer, service or person who can act.
We check that it worked, and close the case only with your agreement.
How we protect you
- Only the Community Safety team reads your request
- We ask only for what we need to help
- We never share your information without your consent, except where a life is in immediate danger
- You can ask us to delete your data at any time
- We never ask for money, and nobody may ask for money in our name
Ask the Protection Desk
Confidential. Write in Pashto, Farsi-e-Dari or English.
Thank you for your response. ✨
Not sure where to start?
Start here. We will find the right door together.