\u201cRefugees are not terrorists. They are often the first victims of terrorism.\u201d \u2013 Ant\u00f3nio Guterres. (Kamboj, S. 2024, June 19)<\/p>\n
India has long provided refuge to people escaping war and persecution. After the Taliban’s\u00a0 return to power in August 2021, many Afghans\u2014including former government officials,\u00a0 women, minorities, journalists, and human rights activists\u2014fled abroad and to India (Kaul,\u00a0 2022). However, India lacks a formal refugee law, forcing most Afghan refugees to rely on the\u00a0 UNHCR for aid and support. Afghan men face unemployment, financial insecurity, and the\u00a0 constant fear of deportation, especially those with military or government backgrounds. For\u00a0 Afghan women, the challenges are even more layered. Along with the trauma of displacement\u00a0 and uncertain legal status, they also face gender-based discrimination. Many have limited\u00a0 access to healthcare, education, and safe work opportunities. (Gender Perspectives on Afghan\u00a0 Refugee Integration, n.d.; Kaul, 2022). Some are survivors of violence, with little institutional\u00a0 support available in India. This paper explores how Afghan women uniquely experience\u00a0 displacement and argues for the formulation of refugee protection law and gender-sensitive\u00a0 policy.<\/p>\n