Afghans in the UK
During the last three decades Afghanistan has been characterised by political instability and conflict. The number of applications for asylum by Afghans in the UK has consistently increased in number between 1997 and 2001, and since then asylum applications have remained high.
This population guide discusses the profile of the Afghan population in the UK, with particular reference to asylum and refugee statistics, as well as relevant policies and important case law for the population. Key issues for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees are highlighted and information concerning relevant resources, projects and initiatives is provided.
Resources
Films
In This World, released 28th March 2003
This was a docu-drama staring an Afghan refugee, Jamal, and illustrates his journey from a refugee camp in Pakistan to London. The film was mostly shot on location, although scenes inside the Sangatte camp in France were shot in England.
Director: Michael Winterbottom, Writer: Tony Grisoni, Producers: Andred Eaton and Anita Overland
Link to official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iirGjM3T5QI
Books
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Published by Oxford University Press in November 2001
This children's book tells the story of an 11 year old girl living under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and was based upon real stories of Afghan women in refugee camps. It is suitable for children aged 10 and upwards.
Deterritorialized Youth: Sahrawi and Afghan Refugees at the Margins of the Middle East
Editor: Dawn Chatty Published by Berghahn Books in April 2010
Volume 29 of the Forced Migration Series:
http://www.berghahnbooks.com/title.php?rowtag=ChattyDeterritorialized
Women of the Afghan War Author: Deborah Ellis
Published by Greenwood Press in April 2000
This is a non-fiction book which recounts experiences of women in the Afghan war.
Refugee Community Organisations
Afghan Association of London http://www.afghan-association.org.uk/
British Afghan's Women's Society - http://www.britishafghanwomen.org/
Scottish Afghan Society - http://scottishafghansociety.blogspot.com/
Afghan Council UK - http://www.afghancounciluk.org/index.php
Afghan Students UK - http://afghanstudents.co.uk/
Non-Governmental Organisations
Afghan Aid - http://www.afghanaid.org.uk/
Initiatives & Projects
Afghan Analyst Network, an independent policy research organisation - http://aan-afghanistan.com/
Afghan Studies Group - discussion, articles, and events relating to the study of Afghanistan http://www.afghanstudiesgroup.com/about/
Current Health Projects in Afghanistan
http://research.hopkinsglobalhealth.org/Country.cfm?country_code=AF
Afghan Association Paiwand: Project for Unaccompanied Minors:
This project began in March 2008, it is a supported housing project for at 16 - 18 year olds providing support on;
· Accommodation
· Emotional support
· Development of self esteem via development of life and work skills
· Structured training courses, homework clubs, sport activities
· Advice and guidance around vocational skills
· Networking with local authorities and other agencies for effective service delivery.
For more information see http://www.paiwand.com/new_services.php
Afghanistan Music Unit:
This project promotes and preserves Afghan music, in particular traditional instruments and methods of playing. The project has worked in both Afghanistan and the UK .
For more information on the project, please contact:
Dr John Baily e-mail j.baily@gold.ac.uk. http://www.gold.ac.uk/amu/
Research
Assunta Maria Nicolini - ‘Conflict in Afghanistan and its impact on Afghans migrating to London', City of London University, estimated completion date: September 2011.
http://www.city.ac.uk/sociology/Current_Research_Students/Current_Research_Students.html
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (June 2010) - 'Trees only move in the wind: a study of unaccompanied Afghan children in Europe', UNHCR, Available Online:
http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4c21ae2a2.html
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Last Updated: 05/08/10
