“Refugees are not terrorists. They are often the first victims of terrorism.” – António Guterres. (Kamboj, S. 2024, June 19)
India has long provided refuge to people escaping war and persecution. After the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, many Afghans—including former government officials, women, minorities, journalists, and human rights activists—fled abroad and to India (Kaul, 2022). However, India lacks a formal refugee law, forcing most Afghan refugees to rely on the UNHCR for aid and support. Afghan men face unemployment, financial insecurity, and the constant fear of deportation, especially those with military or government backgrounds. For Afghan women, the challenges are even more layered. Along with the trauma of displacement and uncertain legal status, they also face gender-based discrimination. Many have limited access to healthcare, education, and safe work opportunities. (Gender Perspectives on Afghan Refugee Integration, n.d.; Kaul, 2022). Some are survivors of violence, with little institutional support available in India. This paper explores how Afghan women uniquely experience displacement and argues for the formulation of refugee protection law and gender-sensitive policy.